KAIUOLANI 


A  PRINCESS  OF  HAWAII 


BY 


I.  WILLIAM    .ADAMS 

AUTHOR  OF  "YODOGIMA — IN  FEUDALISTIC  JAPAN,"  "SHIBUSAWA- 
THE  PASSING  OF  OLD  JAPAN,"  ETC. 


NEW  YORK 

THE  MIKILOSCH  PRESS 

1912 


Copyright,  1912 
By  I.    William  Adams 


Composition,  Press  Work  and  Binding 
by  L.  H.  Jenkins,  Eichmond,  Va. 


Bancroft 


KAIUOLANI 


CHAPTER  I 

The  bugle  call,  clear  and  shrill,  rang  out  upon  the 
fttill,  hollow  air  of  a  mild  winter's  morning,  as  the 
queen   and  her  invited  guests,  alike  the  royalty  and 
commonalty  of  fair  Hawaii,  awaited  the  blast  that  sig- 
•  nailed  the  beginning  of  the  fete — sounded  the  march. 
^*      Liliuokolani  calmly  arose  from  a  quiet  seat  in  the 
^  Blue  Room  and  proudly  walked  to  the  portico's  edge 
^  in  front.     Looking  out,  over  the  gay  guests  assem- 
J  bled  in  the  broad  gardens  below,  her  heart  swelled  with 
contemplation  and  no  thought  of  failure  disturbed  her 
peace  of  mind.     The  kindly  woman  welcomed  some 
C    relief;   for  upon  ascending  the  throne,  at  the   death 
of  her  brother,  Kalakawa,  nearly  two  years  thereto- 
j     fore,  she  had  faithfully  said : 
J         ''My  ministry  shall  be  responsible  to  me." 

Her  attempt  to  invoke  this  ancient  privilege,  of 
appointing  the  cabinet  and  holding  it  responsible  to 
the  throne,  had  cost  Liliuokolani  two  years  of  almost 
constant  turmoil  and  struggle  with  the  opposition ;  as 
the  Progressionists — an  organized  body  of  foreign 
merchants,  politicians  and  adventurers — had,  during 
the  administration  of  her  predecessor,  Kalekaua, 
wrested  from  him  an  alleged  amendment  to  the  con- 


4  KAIUOLANI 

stitution,  placing  that  privilege  and  responsibility  in 
the  hands  of  the  legislature.  In  her  contention  the 
queen  had  been  loyally  supported  by  the  Royalists 
(consisting  mainly  of  the  planters  and  older  foreign 
residents)  and  the  Patriots,  the  predominant  and 
better  class  of  natives.  Thus  her  position  became 
clearly  defined  and  seemed  certain  of  hearty  encour- 
agement throughout  the  kingdom. 

A  decision  had  just  been  rendered  in  her  favor, 
by  the  supreme  court,  and  at  the  convention  of  the 
legislature  the  queen  had  thrown  open  her  summer 
residence,  Waikiki  Villa,  as  was  the  custom,  for  the 
purposes  of  inaugurating  the  impending  session  with  a 
grand  garden  party.  Upon  this  occasion  she  may 
have  possessed  a  deeper  motive  in  making  the  fes- 
tivities as  nearly  universal  in  their  application  as  pos- 
sible, for  she  was  a  gracious  queen  and  would  exceed 
the  bounds  of  liberality  to  eradicate  the  last  taint  of 
difference. 

Presently  the  band  came  into  sight — it  was  the  Royal 
Military  band — playing  the  national  air,  Hawaii  Poni 
(God  Save  The  Queen),  and  every  head  in  that  vast 
throng  was  quickly  bared.  Liliuokolani  bowed  and 
gray-haired  men  and  garland-ladened  women  thrilled 
with  the  pride  of  loyalty. 

The  troops  followed,  with  their  steel  bayonets  glis- 
tening in  the  sunlight,  while  sturdy  officers  in  scarlet 
regalia,  their  polished  sabers  dangling  at  their  sides, 
rode  in  front  or  galloped  along,  in  one  grand  valiant 
acknowledgment.  They  were  men  with  the  vigor  of 
ascension  or  the  dread  of  displacement  burning  hot  in 
their  veins,  for  the  Rifles  (the  white  branch  of  the 
militia),  five  hundred  strong,  led  the  advance,  with  the 


KAIUOLANI  5 

Guards,  or  natives,  in  the  rear.  All,  however,  were 
animated  with  a  single  aim :  they  marched  in  unison  to 
do  homage  to  a  wise  and  beloved  ruler. 

As  they  tramped  along  the  broad,  winding  driveway, 
beneath  the  overtowering  cocoa  palms  and  amid  the 
borders  of  verdant  flowers,  a  thousand  voices  rose  in 
response  to  the  last  echo  of  that  anthem  which  always 
moves  so  deeply  the  hearts  of  patriotic  men  and  noble, 
generous  women.  It  was  a  confirmation  of  true  en- 
deavor,, and  Liliuokolani  breathed  freely  the  inspira- 
tion that  comes  only  of  a  marked  appreciation.  In  her 
heart  no  rancor  lingered,  and  of  a  free  will  she  would 
have  crowned  each  and  every  one  of  her  subjects  with 
the  material  reward  his  efforts  merited — as  she  gave 
him  in  her  heart  a  spiritual  blessing.  On  they  came, 
the  solid  column  advancing,  until  directly  under  the 
portico,  where  Colonel  Floyd  Wellington  Young,  com- 
mander of  the  Rifles,  wheeled  his  charge  and  loyally 
saluted. 

The  gallant  young  officer  rode  his  mount  with  the 
dash  of  a  Napoleon,  his  red  hair  glowing  with  the  fire 
of  victory,  though  from  his  deep  blue  eyes  there  shone 
a  determination  to  enforce  justice,  alike  to  himself 
and  to  his  fellow  men.  The  queen,  standing  there, 
high  above  his  head,  extended  her  white-gloved  hand 
in  humble  recognition  of  his  true  worth  and  her 
superior  regard ;  and  not  a  few  wept  with  joy  at  the 
apparent  reconciliation  of  two  contending  factions, 
that  had  so  long  threatened  to  disrupt  their  island 
home. 

Bowing  gently  in  response,  the  colonel's  voice, 
loud  and  musical,  echoed  from  the  mountain  side 
above  to  the  rollicking  sea  below : 


6  KAIUOLANI 

"Battalions— halt !" 

Then: 

"Right  line — march  !" 

Immediately : 

"Present — arms !" 

And  finally : 

"Parade— rest !" 

Quick  and  orderly  the  maneuvers  were  executed 
to  the  rhythm  of  "tramp,  tramp"  and  the  thud  of  a 
half-thousand  rifles.  Grandly  they  saluted,  and  with 
upturned  faces  awaited  the  queen's  response. 

With  chosen  words  and  deliberate  accent  the  con- 
siderate woman  calmly  said : 

"I  thank  you  in  behalf  of  myself  and  my  people 
for  this  splendid  expression  of  fealty,  and  pray  that 
God  may  give  me  strength  to  render  a  just  and  gen- 
erous recognition.  On  this  day,  and  I  trust  many 
others,  my  home  is  open  unto  you.  The  Queen's 
blessing." 

Tears  stole  into  the  colonel's  eyes,  as  wheeling  in  the 
saddle  he  shouted  command : 

"Shoulder — arms!  Column  fours — left!  Forward — 
march !"  and  the  steady  ranks  moved  on  down  the 
avenue,  to  give  place  to  a  more  sympathetic  advance. 

The  native  company,  with  less  dash  but  as  certain 
a  tread,  came  forward  and  at  the  command  of  their 
leader,  Prince  Aokahameha,  executed  quite  as  dex- 
trously  a  similar  movement ;  but  when  their  salute  had 
been  given  a  deathly  silence  ensued.  With  filled  eyes 
and  heavy  heart  Liliuokolani  leaned  far  over  the  rail- 
ing and  extending  her  arms,  in  hopeless  expression, 
silently  voiced  a  message  that  stirred  deeply  the  Wood 
that  knew  no  land  but  theirs.  Then  with  bowed  heads 


KAIUOLANI  7 

and  resolute  step  they  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  a 
Kamehameha  and  followed  their  commander  down  the 
lane,  toward  the  Armory,  behind  the  koas,  a  short  dis- 
tance away,  at  the  capital  city  in  front. 

Ihoas-Kahili,  the  queen's  chief  lady  in  waiting,  stood 
near  by  and  when  the  troops  had  passed  from  sight — 
the  queen  still  watching  them — she  came  to  her 
majesty  and  consoled  her  and  directing  an  attendant 
to  place  a  seat  counselled  the  queen  to  remain  in  the 
open,  where  she  might  view  the  gay  throngs  seated 
about  the  lawns  or  indulge  the  soft  sea  breeze  that 
floated  in  from  the  nearby  shore.  Liliuokolani  quickly 
consented,  for  on  this  day  more  than  any  other  she,  as 
well  as  Ihoas,  was  interested  in  the  outcome  of  the 
chivalries. 

The  tall,  young  princess,  a  descendant  of  the  Kame- 
hamehas,  seated  herself  close  by  and  presently  she  too 
sank  into  deep,  unsatisfying  thought.  Though  her  full 
name  was  Ihoas-Kahila  Ralph,  and  her  flowing  hair 
and  mild  eyes  contrasted  noticeably  with  the  massive, 
jet  black  waves  and  controlled,  penetrating  look  of  the 
queen,  she  was  none  the  less  of  a  royalty  long  antedat- 
ing the  Mauas,  of  whom  Liliuokolani  was  the  then 
reigning  descendant.  Aokahameha  was  of  the  same 
blood  as  Ihoas,  and  notwithstanding  their  displace- 
ment, like  her  cousin — they  being  of  the  younger  gene- 
ration of  the  Kamehamehas — had  become  reconciled 
to  the  new  order  and,  altogether,  sought  with  loyalty 
to  do  homage  and  render  service  unto  their  lawfully 
recognized  queen. 

Liliuokolani  had  long  ago  recognized  the  value  of 
the  grave  and  patriotic  Aokahameha  and  his  support 
in  her  desperate  struggle  against  the  final  encroach- 


8  KAIUOLANI 

ment  of  the  foreigners,  and  was  anxious  that  upon 
this  occasion  Kaiuolani,  the  young  and  vivacious  heir 
apparent,  should  crown  him  victor  of  the  fete.  This 
beautiful  princess  was  one  of  the  queen's  own  blood, 
named  by  her  majesty  as  the  lawful  successor  to  the 
throne,  yet  Liliuokolani  would  that  Kaiuolani  loved 
Aokahameha,  for  in  him  she  trusted,  saw  her  own 
beneficent  plans  unfold,  and  with  his  rise  and  promo- 
tion to  the  chief  command  of  the  army  believed  the 
throne  secure. 

Ihoas  had  become  the  queen's  real  confidante,  and 
though  hopelessly  (as  there  was  good  reason  to  be- 
lieve) loved  by  Aokahameha,  her  majesty  trusted  her 
affectionate  chief  lady  in  waiting  to  urge  the  recon- 
ciliation of  Aokahameha  to  a  new  love,  while  she 
herself  would  bring  her  own  influence  to  bear  upon 
Kaiuolani.  In  the  pathway  of  all  these  fervent  de- 
sires there  had  already  come  to  view  an  almost  end- 
less chain  of  apparent  obstacles ;  yet  Liliuokolani 
felt  in  her  heart  that  she  was  right,  and  no  trial  seemed 
too  hard  or  measure  severe  for  her  to  withstand.  She 
sat  there  in  the  cool  of  the  shade,  her  determination 
rising, — the  tears  had  long  ago  dried, — a  huge  fan 
gently  swaying  in  the  sweet-laden  zephyrs,  while  her 
faithful  companion  pondered  more  apprehensively,  if 
less  sternly,  the  troubled  situation. 

"Has  Kaiuolani  made  her  appearance  in  the  gar- 
den ?"  asked  the  queen,  after  a  while,  thoughtfully,  but 
kindly. 

"I  believe  she  is  on  the  veranda  below.  Shall  I  call 
her?"  asked  Ihoas  in  answer,  rising,  and  ready  to  do 
her  majesty's  bidding. 

"Please  send  the  princess  to  me;  I  should  like  to 


KAIUOLANI  9 

speak  with  her — before  the  day  is  further  advanced. 
You  can  leave  us  here,  to  ourselves :  the  diversion  will 
be  a  welcome  relief  to  you,  and — there  is  someone, 
now,  on  the  lawn ;  he  looks ;  he  desires  you  to  come, 
I  know." 


CHAPTER  II 

Presently  the  princess  came  and  sat  by  the  side 
of  her  aunt,  the  queen.  Ihoas  bowed  herself  away 
and  as  quickly  disappeared  below,  where  she  sought 
relief  and  opportunity  in  the  crowded  garden.  She 
had  a  duty  to  perform,  and  though  her  position  must 
be  an  embarrassing  one,  her  appearance  could  but 
arouse  interest,  invoking  both  happiness  and  hope. 

On  the  steps  at  the  veranda  in  front  Ihoas  met 
Aokahameha  accompanied  by  Colonel  Young ;  they 
had  disposed  of  their  commands  at  the  armory  and 
returned  to  pay  respects  and  join  in  the  festivities  at 
the  villa.  The  one  tall,  dark  and  austere:  the  other 
slight,  fair  and  genteel,  they  doffed  their  helmets  to 
the  stately  princess  as  she  met  and  congratulated  them 
upon  the  events  of  the  day.  There  was  indeed  a  wide 
contrast  between  the  old-time  feats  of  chivalry,  as 
exemplified  in  the  one,  and  the  modern  heraldic  dis- 
play, underlying  the  martial  supremacy  of  the  other ; 
yet  Ihoas  was  brave,  and  with  her  memory  running 
back  and  her  heart  yearning  for  still  another  she  made 
no  distinction,  greeting  them  alike  with  a  heartiness 
that  bespoke  neither  preference  nor  prejudice.  Per- 
haps Floyd  Young  may  have  conjured  a  distrust  in  her 
composure,  but  he  became  quite  undeceived  as  to  his 
comrade's  position,  for  the  young  prince  uncon- 
sciously betrayed  the  secret  of  his  love. 

Designing  not  to   intrude  upon   good   will,   Young 


KAIUOLANI  ii 

withdrew  and  sauntered  into  the  midst  of  the  gayety 
on  the  lawns.  Not  a  few  offered  words  of  felicita- 
tion as  the  deserving  young  officer  passed  on,  address- 
ing this  one  or  recognizing  that  one,  but  none  seemed 
to  express  more  than  passing  interest  in  what  he  had 
hoped  to  be  the  most  successful  military  parade  the 
little  kingdom  had  seen.  The  seeming  indifference 
stung  him  sharply,  but  he  remembered  that  this  was 
the  queen's  day,  however  loyal  the  opposition,  and 
acting  in  obedience  to  natural  impulse  turned  toward 
the  portico  where  his  eyes  met  fairly  those  of  the 
princess,  Kaiuolani. 

The  .dazzling  garnishments  of  his  regalia  glittered 
in  the  sunlight  and  heightened  the  sparkle  in  Kaiuo- 
lani's  eyes  as  he  bowed  and  turned  to  shake  the  hand 
of  Mr.  Elmsford — Oscar  Donworth  Elmsford — a  dis- 
carded English  duke,  an  artist  by  profession,  but  at 
that  time  a  resident  manager  who  stood  high  in  social 
circles  at  the  capital  city,  Honolulu. 

A  frown  crossed  the  queen's  brow  ;  she  had  witnessed 
the  glance  of  recognition,  which  had  so  inadvertently 
passed  between  the  two,  and  as  quickly  engaged  the 
princess  in  conversation.  Young  did  not  observe  the 
apparent  change  in  her  majesty's  countenance,  but  con- 
tinued talking  to  his  neighbor,  Elmsford,  till  pres- 
ently Ihoas  again  came  upon  the  scene  of  his  dis- 
comfiture. 

This  faithful  intermediary  had  had  her  say  with 
Aokahameha,  and  left  him  standing  in  the  shade  of 
the  veranda,  debating  whether  to  follow  and  press  his 
claim  for  a  true  love  or  go  above  and  encourage  a 
false  one.  He  had  understood  Ihoas's  warning  only 
too  well,  but  for  that  did  not  believe  her  lost  to  him, — 


12  KAIUOLANI 

although  she  had  positively  declared  her  preference 
for  the  man  that  she  was  at  that  very  moment  ap- 
proaching,— and  as  to  Kaiuolani:  she  was  entirely 
too  frolicsome  for  him,  and  he  doubted  even  her 
aunt's  ability  to  govern  her  decision  in  any  manner, 
much  less  about  a  thing  so  vital  as  that  of  marriage. 
The  sudden  turn  of  affairs  disturbed  but  did  not  over- 
whelm the  puzzled  man,  who  stood  momentarily  de- 
bating his  proper  course,  then  entered  the  house  and 
ascended  the  stairs. 

Turning,  Young  again  paid  his  respects  to  the  de- 
signing Ihoas.  A  slight  flush  perceptibly  reddened  his 
face.  A  new  thought  possessed  him;  he  would  use 
her  to  relieve  himself  and  disarm  others  as  to  the 
possible  thought  of  any  rising  intimacy  with  Kaiuolani. 

Barely  granting  Ihoas  an  opportunity  to  recognize 
the  artist  manager,  whom  she  had  grown  to  love  with 
a  passion  characteristic  only  of  her  race,  Young  said, 
banteringly : 

"You  do  me  undeserved  honor,  in  granting  me 
this  the  second  opportunity  to  greet  you  this  morn- 
ing. Will  you  join  me  while  paying  respects  to  Sir 
Charles,  the  princess  Kaiuolani's  father?  He  is  over 
there,  in  the  shade  of  the  old  historic  palm — let  us 
go." 

The  thought  of  arousing  Kaiuolani's  jealousy  sud- 
denly flashed  into  Ihoas's  mind.  Possibly  she  may 
have  divined  a  submerged  interest  in  herself,  lurking 
in  the  colonel's  motive :  if  so,  she  was  mistaking ; 
withal  her  dignified  bearing  and  noble  sentiment,  Floyd 
Young  at  heart  preferred  another  kind  of  quest.  And 
when  he  really  led  her  away  his  only  purpose  augured 
of  the  subtle  art  of  diplomacy.  His  every  hope  was 


KAIUOLANI  13 

founded  upon  the  progress  of  events,  and  from  the 
time  he  had  landed  in  Honolulu — an  ambitious  but 
penniless  youth,  from  far  distant  New  York,  a  recent 
graduate  from  Columbia,  educated  in  the  law  and 
honorably  discharged  from  the  State  militia — his  ad- 
vance had  been  due  to  his  sterling  grasp  with  oppor- 
tunity, his  ideals  founded  upon  what  he  believed  to 
be  the  ultimate  decree  of  human  greatness — the  mili- 
tary strength  of  a  country,  the  force  behind  the  throne 
and  the  arbiter  of  God's  eternal  law.  Love,  with  him, 
was  an  essential  trait  of  manly  existence,  but  its  rite 
should  be  more :  marriage  must  be  made  the  stepping- 
stone  to  a  broader  usefulness,  used  to  round  out  a 
sphere  in  which  man  attains  his  noblest  virtue,  serves 
in  the  molding  and  wielding  of  destiny. 

A  union  with  the  heir  apparent  would  strengthen 
his  position  and  open  the  way  to  a  larger  development, 
but  the  time  had  not  yet  come  nor  was  it  advisable 
upon  this  occasion  to  publish  even  the  possibility  of  so 
daring  a  prospect.  If  he  could  only  check  the  impetu- 
ous princess,  and  confuse  the  minds  of  others,  by 
paying  some  unusual  attention  to  Ihoas,  he  should 
gain  a  positive  advantage ;  so  he  led  the  advance 
adroitly,  and  his  willing  victim — of  the  same  mind,  but 
with  a  different  end  in  view — assisted  in  the  ruse  with 
all  the  grace  and  likelihood  at  her  disposal. 

"By  jove,"  said  the  surprised  Englishman,  to  him- 
self, as  the  others  walked  away ;  "she  has  cut  me  cold ! 
I  wonder  if  she  really  means  it?  I  hope  so,  at  all 
events.  I  can't  stand  her  pose :  it  lacks  in  perspective. 
Besides,  a  respite  would  give  me  the  chance  to  trim 
my  sails  for  a  more  likely  princess." 

Elmsford  once  more  shifted  positions,  always  keep- 


14  KAIUOLANI 

ing  himself  in  the  open  and  within  sight  of  the  portico, 
frequently  adjusting  his  eyeglass  and  vainly  assum- 
ing a  bearing  strictly  in  accord  with  his  shrivelled 
dignity.  His  robust  figure  and  odd  mannerism  finally 
attracted  the  queen's  attention,  causing  her  to  remark, 
pleasantly : 

"I  wonder  who  is  the  guest  in  fancy  dress?  He 
seems  to  be  always  looking  this  way !" 

"Oh,  that  is  Mr.  Elmsford — the  gentleman  papa 
has  given  the  privilege  of  doing  my  portrait  in  oil. 
He  is  really  an  interesting  character;  and,  they  say, 
of  the  English  nobility.  We  shall,  no  doubt,  see 
more  of  him  before  the  day  is  out,"  said  Kaiuolani,  in 
her  characteristically  careless  way. 

"I  trust  not;  at  least,  until  after  the  leis"  (a  kind 
of  ceremony,  at  which  the  victor  in  the  games — for- 
merly literally,  but  at  that  time  figuratively — was 
crowned  with  a  garland  by  the  queen  of  flowers, 
usually  a  chosen  princess).  "Any  sort  of  a  coxcomb 
from  over  there  becomes  a  gentleman  immediately 
he  is  stranded  upon  our  shores.  I  am  very  weary  of 
it  all,"  replied  the  queen,  with  emphasis. 

"But,  aunty,  they  are  so  nice;  and  then,  you  know, 
the  'foreigners'  have  given  us  so  much  of  civilization — 
they  say,  all  that  we  have,"  continued  the  princess, 
innocently. 

"They  say  so;  but,  I  vow,  we  have  not  gained  so 
very  much.  There  was  far  more  contentment  and 
much  less  distress  before  they  set  their  treacherous 
feet  upon  our  sacred  soil.  Excuse  me,  dear;  I  should 
not  talk  like  that ;  but,  I  cannot  help  giving  vent  to  my 
feelings,  at  times,"  said  Liliuokolani,  proud,  and  un- 


KAIUOLANI  15 

able  to  restrain  the  deep  and  abiding  sorrow  that 
welled  up  from  her  hard-tried  benevolence. 

"Never  mind,  aunty;  everything  will  in  time  come 
out  for  the  best.  We  all  love  you,  and  will  comfort 
you,  no  matter  what  the  consequences,"  said  Kaiuo- 
lani,  moved  with  natural  sympathy. 

"I  do  wish  that  Aokahameha  would  come ;  we  can 
trust  him,  and  he  is  such  a  noble  man.  I  should  choose 
him  to  others  less  qualified  if  more  pretentious,"  an- 
swered the  queen,  guardedly  concerned  as  to  Kaiuo- 
lani's  attitude. 

The  princess  did  not  answer,  but  her  thoughts  went 
out,  in  a  myriad  aspects,  to  the  crowning  event  of 
the  day.  It  had  of  right  fallen  to  her  to  place  the 
braided  wreath  upon  the  brow  of  a  chosen  champion, 
and  there  arose  no  question  in  her  mind  as  to  the 
choice  she  should  make,  yet  the  pathos  of  her  majesty's 
situation  appealed  momentarily  to  Kaiuolani's  sym- 
pathy. Judgment  seemed  a  thing  quite  foreign  to  her 
temperament,  and  she  sat  battling  between  love  and 
affection  till  presently  Aokahameha  walked  into  their 
presence,  bidding  both  a  friendly  good-morning. 

Kaiuolani  brightened.  It  mattered  not  so  much  who 
the  visitor  might  be,  just  so  his  coming  brought  new 
interest;  for  remaining  there  on  that  portico,  alone 
with  her  aunt,  on  so  delectable  a  morning,  amid  such 
a  host  of  admirers,  became  almost  unbearable. 

"I  am  so  glad  you  came,  Aoka — aunty  and  I  were 
this  moment  talking  about  you — the  parade  was  just 
lovely — how  I  do  admire  the — horses !"  said  Kaiuo- 
lani, without  stopping  to  regain  her  breath  or  divine 
the  effect  of  her  speech. 


16  KAIUOLANI 

"The  prince  deserves  our  compliments,"  said  the 
queen,  quickly  and  earnestly. 

"Thank  you,"  replied  he,  bowing. 

Perhaps  Aokahameha's  unsympathetic  answer 
caused  her  majesty  to  hesitate  further  conversing, — 
Kaiuolani  waited  for  him  to  introduce  a  more  invit- 
ing subject, — and  the  prince,  glad  that  the  queen  had 
stopped  short  of  then  and  there  betrothing  them,  the 
hapless  culprits,  leaned  against  the  railing  and  pon- 
dered anxiously  an  incident  accidentally  noticed  while 
approaching. 

On  reaching  the  top  of  the  stairs,  having  trod  softly 
over  the  noiseless  carpet,  the  prince  had  involuntarily 
hesitated  before  entering  the  boudoir,  through  which 
he  must  pass  to  gain  access  to  the  portico,  and  ob- 
served through  the  wide  open  door  one  of  her  majesty's 
ladies  in  waiting  hidden  behind  the  folds  of  the 
drapery,  overhanging  the  exit,  and  within  convenient 
hearing  distance  of  Kaiuolani  and  the  queen. 

The  recognition,  instantaneous  and  unpleasant  as  it 
proved  to  be,  was  mutual,  and  Martha  Norton,  flushed 
and  confused,  tried  as  best  she  could  to  divert  atten- 
tion by  pretending  to  have  been  arranging  Liliuoko-  * 
lani's  private  writing  table,  the  most  convenient  if 
suspicious  article  at  hand.  Aokahameha  paused  sud- 
denly, then  recovering  himself  walked  in  and  through 
the  room  to  the  portico  in  front  without  manifesting 
the  slightest  concern  or  pretending  to  notice  the  sur- 
prised woman's  unbecoming  act.  The  unexpected 
meeting,  however,  though  to  neither  of  them  no  more 
disconcerting  than  pleasing,  revealed  to  him  a  press- 
ing danger. 

He  said  nothing  about  the  circumstance,  nor  tried 


KAIUOLANI  17 

to  elicit  the  purport  of  a  conversation  that  an  enemy 
had  evidently  overheard,  but  so  lost  himself  in  studied 
contemplation  that  his  anxious  hostess  directly  suf- 
fered more  discomfiture  at  his  silence  than  she  could 
have  done  from  a  complete  revelation  of  the  occur- 
rence. 

Discovered,  the  listening  attendant  quickly  with- 
drew and  sought  her  confidant,  among  the  guests 
below.  The  sharp-visaged  spinstress  had  not  long  to 
search,  for  Xane  Bender,  eager  and  cunning,  awaited 
her  coming  at  a  secluded  place  in  the  background.  His 
dark  brow  and  sunken  form  fairly  writhed  in  dis- 
tress, when  the  spying  emissary  reported  the  queen's 
conversation  and  predicted  that  Kaiuolani  would  place 
the  crown  upon  Aokahameha's  browr. 

"They  are  a  treacherous  lot,  these  dusky  Islanders; 
the  old  scapegrace  as  good  as  promised  that  I  should 
be  selected  by  that  rattle-headed  flirt,  whose  Scotch 
cross  with  a  Polynesian  ape  entitles  her  to  so  pre- 
tentious a  claim.  I  will  have  her,  by  G — d:  Xane 
Bender  shall  not  be  trifled  with!"  hissed  the  mad- 
dened man,  his  foul  teeth  showing  white,  while  clench- 
ing nervously  his  one  deformed  fist  and  glancing  with 
furtive  eyes  from  under  a  stooped  and  tortuous 
posture. 

"I  would  advise  that  you  hold  your  temper;  this  is, 
not  an  agreeable  time  or  place  for  the  making  of  idle 
accusations.  What  care  we  for  their  descent  or  pro- 
testations? It  is  success  that  we  covet:  we  should 
rather  use  our  wit  than  lose  it,"  said  the  wily  Norton, 
with  biting  emphasis. 

"D — d  harlot;  accursed  woman;  you  would  chide 
me  now,  that  you  think  Young  is  safe.  I'll  beat  your 


i8  KAIUOLANI 

game  to  a  standstill,  see  you  in  hades,  shorn  of  the 
last  pretence,  before  I  go  down  to  defeat,  alone  and 
single  handed.  The  princess  shall  marry  me,  then 
you  can  the  better  victimize  the  colonel;  though  little 
worth  he  is,  I  assure  you,"  said  her  tormentor,  with 
curled-up  lip  and  sarcastic  voice. 

"Take  care,  Xane  Bender;  I  have  a  hand  yet  to 
play,  that  you  little  suspect.  And  if  you  press  me — 
beware " 

"Strumpet!  Adventuress!  Why  should  I  press  any- 
body ?  Have  I  not  given  you  honor,  position,  influence 
— all  that  you  possess?  Whose  money— 

"Why,  good-morning,  Mr.  Bender.  I  see  that  you 
are  very  delightfully  engaged  with  my  most  worthy 
assistant.*  I  trust  that  I  am  not  intruding — am  I?" 
said  a  mild,  effeminate  voice,  as  a  jolly,  whole-souled 
Progressionist  bobbed  round  the  bush,  discovering 
them,  as  he  thought,  in  the  very  act  of  love-making. 

"Good-morning,  Mr.  Wayntro.  Good-morning,  sir ! 
I  hope  you  are  both  well  and  happy  this  morning. 
Miss  Norton  and  I,  as  you  see,  were  just  having  a  lit- 
tle pleasantry;  discussing  the  social  side  of  the  func- 
tion— not  for  publication,  of  course — the  good  lady 
journalist  is  too  considerate  for  that — but  only  in  a 
friendly  way — as  we  are  often  wont  to  do,  at  an  aside 
from  the  constant  crush  of  congratulatory  friends/' 
replied  the  designing  Bender,  with  changed  expres- 
sion and  fawning  politeness. 

"I  vow :  I  myself  found  their  lavishments  somewhat 
depressing,"  answered  the  interloping  newspaper  man, 
quite  boastfully. 

"Mr.  Bender  has  been  very  kind  to  me,  and  I  hardly 
know  how  I  should  have  survived  the  morning  had  it 


KAIUOLANI  19 

not  been  for  his  timely  attention,"  proffered  the  good 
Miss  Norton,  without  any  apparent  recollection  of 
what  had  sooner  taken  place. 

George  Wayntro  was  the  sometime  founder  and 
at  that  auspicious  moment  proprietor  of  the  Ware 
Wizzard  Wise,  the  newspaper  of  the  place,  inde- 
pendent as  professed  but  Progressionist  by  accident; 
and  Miss  Martha  Norton,  a  still  later  importation 
from  America,  had  by  stint  of  endeavor  and  the  help 
of  Bender  risen  on  the  staff  from  local  reporter  to 
chief  assistant  editor.  Her  word  bore  much  weight 
with  the  would-be  brilliant  proprietor;  and  in  con- 
sideration of  the  many  "turns"  she  had  done  her 
friend  Bender,  that  crafty  fellow  had  forced  the  lady 
editor's  claims  also  in  other  directions ;  at  least  to  the 
extent  of  wresting  from;  the  queen  herself  the  illy 
deserved  social  distinction  his  calculating  accomplice 
then  enjoyed:  that  of  a  lady  in  waiting — by  courtesy 
if  not  in  reality. 

The  three  immediately  sauntered  into  the  open, 
where  shortly  they  came  upon  Colonel  Young  and  the 
Princess  Ihoas,  who  sat  conversing  pleasantly  with 
the  Honorable  Sir  Charles  Stuart  Prentiss, — president 
gf  the  local  foreign  club,  and  the  Princess  Kaiuolani's 
father, — a  retired  Scotch  gentleman  and  an  early  set- 
tler in  the  Islands. 

Here  they  were  received  with  civility,  if  not  polite- 
ness ;  though  Young  was  not  at  all  friendly  in  spirit, 
and  as  to  the  rest  there  seemed  nothing  in  common  be- 
tween them.  No  one  took  the  pains  to  arise  at  their 
coming,  and  they  stood  around  coldly  chatting  until 
presently  Aokahameha  and  the  princess  were  seen  ap- 


20  KAIUOLANI 

preaching.  Kaiuolani's  presence  upon  the  lawn  be- 
came the  signal  for  others  to  move  in  that  direction, 
and  by  the  time  she  had  reached  her  father's  side  a 
semicircle  was  formed  and  all  waited  anxiously,  with 
the  queen  in  the  distance,  the  coming  event  of  the 
day's  festivities. 

The  happy-go-lucky  princess  tripped  lightly  to  the 
front — perhaps  a  secret  motive  impelled  the  mood : 
more  likely  the  heart  laid  bare  its  yearning — and  tak- 
ing up  the  floral  wreath,  which  had  been  intrusted  to 
her  father's  keeping,  she  looked  all  round,  from  one 
to  another,  her  eyes  betraying  only  love, — though  the 
hand  battled  against  indecision, — and  as  by  chance 
raised  the  leis  above  the  blushing  Young,  saying  with 
a  voice  sweetly  revealing  the  soul's  gratitude: 

"With  this  frail  token,  an  emblem,  I  crown  you 
victor — the  people's  sacred  choice,  a  hero,  the  queen's 
righteous  defense." 

The  colonel's  voice  failed  him.  He  loved  Kaiuolani 
with  virtue  and  in  truth,  but  the  soul  revealed  a  mes- 
sage sweeter  than  affinity.  He  would  have  undone  the 
wrong  had  he  possessed  the  power,  torn  her  love 
girdle  into  shreds  and  thrown  it  at  her  feet  would  that 
have  released  him  and  saved  her.  Deep  in  his  heart, 
he  felt  the  sincerity  of  her  rash  act,  and  with  his 
eyes  discerned  a  thousand  hands  raised  to  strike  that 
she  had  deigned  to  venture,  yet  in  the  face  of  positive 
decision  he  remained  absolutely  helpless.  He  would 
do  battle  with  the  giants,  but  a  woman's  way  for  the 
moment  undid  him. 

A  smile  brightened  Aokahameha's  countenance  as  he 
caught  the  retreating  glance  of  Ihoas,  whose  face 


KAIUOLANI  21 

grew  cold  with  pallor;  she  divined  better  than  he  the 
strength  of  Liliuokalani's  purpose,  and  the  secret  un- 
derlying the  composure  of  Kaiuolani ;  who,  stung  with 
the  blush  of  bewilderment,  turned  to  her  father  to 
escape  the  confusion  of  faces  surrounding  them. 


CHAPTER  III 

The  bestowal  of  an  honor  so  vital,  to  their  way  of 
thinking,  could  but  arouse  deep  and  widespread  inter- 
est, especially  now  that  the  public  mind  had  reached 
a  high  state  of  nervous  tension.  Its  effect  upon  every 
man  and  woman  in  that  assemblage  was  instantaneous 
and  changed  entirely  the  situation,  for  weal  or  woe, 
however  false  or  sincere  his  motive. 

Martha  Norton  flushed  with  envy,  and  Bender  grew 
fierce  at  disappointment.  Aokahameha  alone  wel- 
comed the  respite,  though  Ihoas  sat  for  the  time  being 
overwhelmed  with  sorrow.  Young  chafed  under  the 
yoke,  while  Kaiuolani  nestled  in  her  father's  embrace, 
wondering  at  the  havoc  her  innocent  attempt  had 
wrought. 

After  a  little,  when  the  first  shock  of  disappointment 
had  passed,  the  queen  rose  and  entering  her  boudoir 
directed  that  the  doors  be  drawn  and  the  entrance  to 
the  room  closed.  Truly  she  felt  mortified  at  the 
heir  apparent's  conduct  and  grieved  the  necessity  of 
resorting  to  other  means  in  the  attainment  of  her 
plans;  but  Liliuokolani  was  a  resolute  woman  and 
met  reverse  with  a  calm  and  dignified  determination 
that  brooked  no  reasonable  defeat.  She  held  Aokaha- 
meha free  from  blame,  as  he  had  evidenced  a  willing- 
ness to  gratify  her  majesty's  wish,  at  least  so  far  as 
that  day's  decoration  was  concerned,  for  had  he  not 
accompanied  the  princess  to  her  post  and  shown  no 
inclination  to  avoid  the  leisf 


KAIUOLANI  23 

Nor  would  she  at  that  time  call  him  to  her,  though 
it  was  he  more  than  any  other  that  she  desired  forth- 
with to  counsel.  Upon  her  withdrawal  into  the  house 
the  assemblage  once  more  began  to  break  into  frag- 
ments and  scatter  in  groups  about  the  lawns,  leaving 
Aokahameha  alone  to  congratulate  Young  and  offer 
the  princess  a  first  word  of  encouragement.  Drawing 
her  away  from  her  father  and  inviting  Ihoas  along,  the 
three  walked  out  upon  the  green  to  the  gratification  of 
Liliuokolani,  who  stood  looking  through  the  glass  door, 
as  they  chatted  and  whiled  away  the  time. 

Presently  they  separated,  and  Aokahameha  walked 
rapidly  toward  the  house.  He  realized  that  Liliuoko- 
lani had  suffered  a  painful  defeat,  and  feeling  that 
the  responsibility  of  sustaining  her  devolved  upon  him, 
sought  directly  her  majesty's  presence. 

The  queen  had  watched  his  movements  safely  from 
within,  and  clearing  the  room  of  attendants,  met  him 
upon  his  arrival  at  the  door. 

"Come  in,  Aokahameha,"  said  she,  warmly  grasping 
his  hand  and  kindly  leading  him  to  a  seat  on  the  sofa. 
"I  need  your  advice,  though  as  you  may  well  know  our 
ideas  be  somewhat  cross-purposed.  You  understand 
my  motive :  I  hope  I  have  not  forfeited  your  respect." 

The  prince  seated  himself  at  her  pleasure,  recogniz- 
ing the  gravity  of  the  queen's  situation  as  well  as 
the  sincerity  of  her  purpose,  and  turning  to  her  said, 
softly  but  gravely : 

"No,  your  majesty ;  you  have  done  nothing  to  merit 
in  the  least  the  displeasure  of  a  loyal  subject.  The 
matter  of  my  domestic  felicity  is  only  an  incident  that 
I  had  hoped  to  recognize  in  the  sphere  of  duty.  I 
am  at  your  majesty's  service :  command  me." 


24  KAIUOLANI 

The  encouraged  champion's  familiar  address  had 
the  effect  intended,  and  Liliuokolani  freely  laid  aside 
the  reserve  that  naturally  attended  even  less  guarded 
communications.  They  held  in  common  an  abiding 
interest  in  their  country,  its  people,  their  homes,  and 
themselves.  They  knew  each  other  to  be  true.  They 
alone  could  resolve  the  virtue  of  their  course.  The 
queen's  great,  dark  eyes  softened  as  she  looked  ten- 
derly into  the  young  man's  straightforward  counte- 
nance,— there  was  no  need  of  fear  there ;  he  was  a 
scion  of  royalty,  untainted,  grave  but  heroic, — and 
with  modulated  voice  frankly  said : 

"You  speak  well,  Aokahameha;  I  too  have  loved, 
and  would  that  your  portion  be  even  less  bitter.  Let 
us  pass  that;  the  state  demands  our  attention.  The 
heir  apparent  must  be  gotten  out  of  the  way  of  de- 
signing politicians  and  the  host  of  scheming  adven- 
turers who  now  surround  her  and  threaten  the  gov- 
ernment." 

Without  venturing  an  immediate  answer,  the  proud 
prince  sat  momentarily  pondering  the  course  of  events 
that  had  led  to  their  hard-tried  predicament  and  the 
momentous  questions  confronting  them.  For  years 
their  beautiful  land  had  been  buffeted  upon  the  sur- 
feited seas  of  vain  endeavor  and  base  cunning  to  fall 
at  last  to  the  grace  of  a  sovereign  whose  heart  went 
out  to  her  own  and  whose  endeavor  seemed  founded 
upon  but  a  shattered  hope.  How  could  he  in  their 
plundered  and  helpless  condition  resolve  the  means 
with  which  to  restore  security  and  gratify  the  laudable 
ambitions  of  a  deserving  and  hopeful  ruler !  A  cheer- 
less mission  confronted  him,  but  Aokahameha,  the 
iron-willed,  a  Kamehameha  of  to-day,  felt  no  test  of 


KAIUOLANI  25 

patriotism  too  severe  and  knew  not  an  undertaking 
undeserving  the  sacrnce.  The  queen's  will  resolved  his 
duty,  and  he  believed  her  not  only  worthy  the  confi- 
dence, but  capable  of  directing  safely  the  course  of 
events. 

"Your  majesty's  intentions  are  certainly  good;  but 
I  am  doubtful  about  controlling  the  princess,"  said 
he,  after  a  while,  having  resolved  fully  the  queen's 
motive. 

"I  had  hoped  to  encourage  a  different  termination  of 
the  day's  sports ;  it  would,  at  least,  have  given  tne  ap- 
pearance of  solidity  on  our  part;  for  to-morrow  1 
shall  present  your  name  to  the  cabinet  as  commander- 
in-chief  of  the  army.  We  could  have  resolved,  after- 
wards, and  in  time,  the  suitableness  of  my  plans  for 
a  permanent  alliance  with  the  princess,"  replied  the 
queen,  fully  conscious  of  both  his  and  her  feelings  in 
the  matter. 

"It  could  have  done  no  harm :  we  all  seem  to  under- 
stand the  situation,  except  it  be  the  princess  herself," 
continued  he,  somewhat  regretfully  and  with  reference 
to  those  individually  concerned. 

"I  need  not  ask  what  the  general  effect  was, — I  could 
see  that  from  where  I  sat, — but  did  you  notice  particu- 
larly how  Kaiuolani's  actions  impressed  Hans  Guten- 
borj  ?"  asked  Liliuokolani,  her  mind  reverting  to  the 
political  situation. 

"Only  that  he  showed  extreme  reserve,  as  usual ;  yet 
I  am  not  quite  sure  but  he  was  deeply  moved,"  said 
Aokahameha,  guardedly,  as  he  arose  and  crossing  the 
room  looked  out  at  the  window,  continuing  directly : 

"Young  and  he  appear  to  be  engaged  in  conversa- 


26  KAIUOLANI 

tion  now,  and  are  walking  toward  the  street — I  won- 
der if  they  can  be  so  soon  taking  their  leave?" 

The  queen  did  not  answer  at  once,  but  coming  up 
leaned  gently  on  the  prince's  arm,  the  while  watching 
Colonel  Young  and  Mr.  Gutenborj,  the  largest  planter 
and  wealthiest  merchant  in  the  Islands,  disappear 
through  the  gate,  far  in  the  distance. 

Kaiuolani,  Ihoas,  and  Elmsford  leisurely  strolled 
in  the  garden,  the  former's  lively  interest  betraying  an 
entire  forgetfulness,  as  she  courted  the  willing  Elms- 
ford's  attention,  to  the  utter  disgust  of  staid  and 
resolute  Ihoas ;  while  Bender,  Wayntro,  Q.  N.  Varnum, 
a  local  banker,  and  Webster  Faneuil,  the  queen's  at- 
torney, grouped  themselves  around  Sir  Charles,  with 
whom  Young  and  Gutenborj  had  just  parted.  Only 
Martha  Norton  appeared  to  be  absent,  and  scanning 
carefully  the  numerous  parties  within  his  range,  Aoka- 
hameha's  memory  reverted  to  his  discovery  of  her, 
earlier  in  the  day,  in  rather  an  unbecoming  attitude. 

The  very  thought  of  her  present  whereabouts  made 
him  nervous,  and  despite  the  queen's  urgent  business 
he  grew  anxious  and  presently  to  her  surprise  and 
utter  astonishment  excused  himself  and  departed  the 
house.  Upon  taking  his  leave  he  had,  it  is  true,  taken 
the  pains  to  reassure  Liliuokolani  of  his  unshaken 
trust  and  hearty  support,  yet  the  apparent  change  in  his 
bearing  suggested  the  possibility  of  a  breakdown  and 
disturbed  her  majesty  not  a  little. 

With  Aokahameha's  coming  into  the  open,  Bender 
disappeared — Martha  Norton  had  given  him  the  signal, 
forthwith  apprising  the  queen  of  his  request  for  an 
audience.  Liliuokolani  sighed,  saying  heavily : 


KAIUOLANI  27 

"I  will  receive  him  here;  call  Ihoas  and  Mr. 
Faneuil." 

Her  majesty's  duly  appointed  lady  in  waiting  loit- 
ered a  little, — just  enough  to  insure  the  arrival  of 
Bender,  whom  she  announced, — then  went  out  of  the 
room. 

Liliuokolani  did  not  bid  her  caller  come  nearer. 
She  sat  at  the  farther  side  of  the  room,  facing  the 
entrance  and  awaiting  his  pleasure.  Bender  ap- 
proached, and  bowing  profusely  complimented  her 
majesty  on  the  felicities  of  the  day.  A  frown  dark- 
ened Liliuokolani's  face,  afterwards  giving  way  to  an 
expression  of  anxiety.  Her  would-be  cabinet  minis- 
ter pretended  not  to  see  the  very  potent  change  in  her 
countenance ;  his  eyes  glanced  furtively  elsewhere. 

Recognizing  the  necessity  of  promptness, — the  queen 
unattended  had  never  encouraged  his  presence, — Ben- 
der spoke  f awningly,  but  with  emphasis : 

"I  thought  you  might  desire  a  final  word  with  me; 
the  legislature  meets  in  the  morning." 

The  queen  looked  down  at  the  cringing  man's  pos- 
ture. She  knew  better  than  he — a  disturbing  element 
with  a  boughten  membership — of  the  proposed  session, 
and  felt  more  keenly  the  consequence.  Without  undue 
haste  or  prolonged  delay  Liliuokolani  replied,  nerv- 
ously : 

"You  know  well  my  position :  what  more  would 
you  have  at  this  late  hour?" 

"Your  consent  to  the  bills." 

"You  still  insist  upon  disgracing  my  people  with  a 
cruel  opium  measure  and  a  vicious  lottery  bill?" 

"The  terms  are  reasonable,  considering  that  I  am 


28  KAIUOLANI 

willing  to  concede  the  appointment  of  Aokahameha 
and— 

"You  will. guarantee  that?" 

"Yes;  and,  also,  the  new  constitution — as  you  pro- 
pose. I  have  the  power." 

"I  will  give  you  my  answer  in  the  morning." 

"At  twelve  o'clock?" 

"Yes." 

Liliuokolani  dismissed  the  caller  and  retired  to  the 
quiet  of  her  chamber;  she  knew  only  too  well  that 
Norton  had  prolonged  her  quest  for  the  attorney  and 
Ihoas,  and  desiring  to  resolve  in  her  own  mind,  alone 
and  undisturbed,  the  virtue  of  an  only  alternative, 
withdrew  from  the  danger  of  any  further  or  other 
disturbance. 

Until  a  late  hour  straggling  guests  loitered  in  the 
gardens  and  upon  the  verandas,  amid  the  golden 
shadows  that  changed  and  lengthened  from  the  tall 
and  slender  leaf-capped  palms  that  swayed  and  rus- 
tled in  the  soft,  intoxicating  air  of  a  tropical  even- 
ing's dawn.  They  were  content  with  joy  or  burdened 
with  concern,  lingering  till  the  close  of  day  when 
still  the  last  had  not  gone. 

Liliuokolani  looked  out  through  the  stately  tree 
tops  and  over  the  quaint  house  roofs  to  the  silent 
waters  beyond.  From  the  deep  mysterious  blue  no 
voice  of  old  arose  to  counsel  her,  to  encourage  the 
deeds  of  heroism  that  once  made  those  shores  resound 
with  noble  thought  and  vital  conquest.  Life  still 
seemed  consequential,  yet  the  heavens  darkened  with 
the  dark  of  southland:  Liliuokolani  breathed  heavily, 
and  the  world  closed  its  portals  upon  her. 


CHAPTER  IV 

The  assembly  halls  echoed  an  ominous  awakening 
on  the  following  morning  when  the  legislature  began 
to  hustle  within  the  broad  corridors  or  gather  upon 
the  marble  steps  in  front.  Liliuokolani,  composed  and 
reliant,  sat  in  regal  attire,  not  far  away,  anxiously 
awaiting  the  word  that  should  confirm  or  deny  her 
most  sanguine  expectations.  Uniformed  couriers  ran 
to  and  fro  over  the  smooth-paved  streets,  carrying 
alike  the  letter  of  commendation  or  the  communica- 
tion of  state. 

An  oo  fluttered  in  at  the  open  window,  and  perching 
upon  the  gilded  scepter  warbled  a  friendly  note.  The 
queen  looked  up  with  softened  eyes  at  its  yellow- 
purpled  tufts,  and  reveried  a  deep-felt  thought: 

"How  innocent,  yet  supremely  beautiful.  I  wish 
I  were  you, — no ;  they'd  pluck  my  feathers, — singing 
the  song  of  freedom,  basking  in  the  God-light  of 
truth." 

Only  striven  duty  answered ;  she  must  grind  out 
the  essence  of  her  existence  as  countless  numbers  of 
mere  humans  before  had  done.  Shortly  the  high  cham- 
berlain approached  and  bowing  low  notified  his  sover- 
eign that  the  legislature  stood  convened,  humbly  await- 
ing her  majesty's  pleasure.  Liliuokolani  hesitated, 
then  bending  forward,  with  parchment  in  hand,  said 
kindly  but  firmly : 

"The  Queen's  Message." 

The  high  chamberlain — Jefferson  Pauahieu  Arns- 


30  KAIUOLANI 

took,  a  half-caste  prince,  formerly  resident  of  Lanai, 
banker  at  Honolulu,  and  broker  to  his  majesty,  Kala- 
kaua — took  the  significant  document  from  the  queen 
with  feelings  of  respect,  though  somewhat  of  misgiv- 
ings, and  without  a  word  forthwith  dispatched  his 
charge  to  the  halls  of  legislation. 

Its  arrival  at  desk  became  the  signal  for  renewed 
interest,  particularly  in  the  galleries  where  had  gath- 
ered the  fortune  and  the  flower  of  social  Hawaii. 
Hans  Gutenborj  was  there,  surrounded  by  Progres- 
sionists, Royalists,  and  Patriots  alike.  Norton  and 
Wayntro,  Lou  Isaacs,  a  money  changer,  and  Ah  Mia, 
the  Chinese  merchant  and  opium  dealer,  buttonholed 
or  importuned  members  who  came  into  the  balconies  to 
greet  a  friend  or  scent  the  trend  of  opinion.  Bender 
busied  himself  on  the  floor,  while  a  host  of  the  fairest, 
in  flowing  garments  and  modest  adornment,  looked 
down  from  the  circle  above.  Kaiuolani  leaned  from  a 
box  in  the  rear,  and  Ihoas  glanced  guardedly  at  her 
idol,  the  artist  member  from  Diamond  Head.  When 
the  chairman  had  ceased  rapping  and  the  queen's 
message  was  announced,  a  momentary  quiet  broke  into 
an  uproarious  hand  clapping  and  the  shouting  of 
hearty  cheers. 

Each  member  hastened  to  his  seat,  while  Don  Du- 
pont,  the  dapper  sergeant-at-arms,  arose  and  with  a 
clear  voice  and  pronounced  accent  read  the  message 
through.  A  painful  silence  ensued,  then  Xane  Bender 
led,  and  every  patriot  in  that  house  and  not  a  few  of 
the  Royalists  applauded  with  zest.  Barely  respecting 
the  occasion  Colonel  Young,  member  from  Honolulu, 
marvelled  at  the  measures  proposed,  while  Kaiuolani 
rose  in  her  seat  and  waving  a  handkerchief  cried  ap- 


KAIUOLANI  31 

proval.  Gutenborj,  too,  showed  conservatism,  though 
from  a  different  motive,  and  Varnum,  the  banker, 
colored  with  anger.  Now  and  then  a  submerged 
hissing  feebly  issued  aloft,  though  few  there  heeded 
the  portent  and  none  of  the  more  ardent,  excepting 
Aokahameha,  divined  the  measure  of  its  significance. 

After  the  first  shock  had  passed  and  the  im- 
portance of  the  queen's  recommendations  commenced 
to  unfold,  the  spectators  began  shifting  about  or  set- 
tling in  corners  discussing  the  probabilities  and  search- 
ing for  a  motive. 

"It  is  an  outrage  upon  decency!"  shouted  Varnum, 
to  his  neighbor  Gutenborj,  who  sat  quietly  contemplat- 
ing the  best  means  of  turning  a  dilemma  into  a  re- 
source of  safety. 

"There  is  more  behind  this  latest  move  than  the 
most  vigilant  among  us  dare  suspect,"  continued  Var- 
num, not  having  made  any  apparent  impression  upon 
his  immediate  listener. 

"Things  have  come  to  a  pretty  pass,  if  law  and  order 
shall  abide  savagery !"  burst  again  from  the  irritated 
banker's  lips,  just  in  time  to  greet  the  ears  of  Mr. 
Whilom  S.  Harvenoiq,  the  American  minister,  who 
had  edged  himself  into  an  audience,  uninvited. 

"See  here,  Varnum,"  ventured  Gutenborj,  the  larg- 
est individual  property  holder  in  the  Islands,  whose 
patience  no  longer  bore  him  silence ;  "that  sort  of  talk 
can  do  no  earthly  good,  and  what  is  more,  it  may  do 
irreparable  harm.  My  humble  advice,  if  such  be  meet, 
would  be  to  hold  your  tongue." 

"I  am  a  white  man,  sir ;  and  I  believe  in  the  domina- 
tion of  superiority,"  replied  the  injudicious  Progres- 
sionist. 


32  KAIUOLANI 

'There  are  others,  I  believe,  who  are  also  considered 
white,"  pleasantly  retorted  the  modest  Royalist. 

"Would  you  so  forget  our  wives  and  daughters  as 
to  tolerate  these  infernal  schemes,  make  of  our  land 
a  gambling  dive  and  an  opium  joint?"  queried  the 
excited  financier,  with  vehemence. 

"Hold !  man ;  I  would  neither  forget  our  pocket- 
books.  Both  of  the  measures  are  expedient,  and 
would  replenish  the  national  treasury  without  taxing 
you  or  I  a  cent  or  interfering  with  our  morals  one 
whit.  I  am  not  sure  but  the  queen  is  more  prudent 
than  we,  after  all,"  answered  Gutenborj,  thoughtfully. 

"A  clever  monstrosity;  and,  if  I  mistake  not,  the 
groundwork  for  a  larger  army!  That  is  where  we 
shall  end,  Hans  Gutenborj,"  growled  the  intolerant 
Varnum,  with  more  of  heat  than  prudence. 

"I  dislike  your  intemperance ;  please  excuse  me,  my 
good  friend,"  replied  the  philosophic  planter,  as  he 
arose  and  walked  away  in  company  with  Harvenoiq. 

The  suspense  following  the  reading  of  the  message 
bore  heavily  upon  all  those  members  who  were  already 
pledged  to  support  the  queen's  proposals.  Bender 
had  been  active  among  local  politicians  and,  though  in 
fact  a  resident  of  Honolulu,  his  membership  from  the 
lower  island,  Hawaii,  gave  him  a  powerful  influence 
with  the  outside  and  preponderant  constituency.  He 
could  already  count  a  safe  majority,  and  felt  that  by 
the  time  the  orators  had  Finished  debating  the  ques- 
tion, the  Patriots  for  and  the  Progressionists  against 
the  bills,  the  patriotism  of  the  Royalists  had  made 
certain  Liliuokolani's  victory. 

Elmsford  was  entrusted  with  making  the  opening 
address, — quite  willing  to  do  anything  that  might  en- 


KAIUOLANI  33 

courage  his  chance  with  the  princess, — and  when  he 
had  ceased  haranguing,  and  proudly  looked  hence,  only 
Ihoas  led  a  fairly  hearty  encouragement  from  the  gal- 
lery above. 

Kaiuolani,  too,  seemed  not  any  the  less  enthusiastic, 
but  her  interest  apparently  centered  in  the  subject 
alone,  for  when  Young  arose,  cool  and  magnificent,  to 
lead  the  opposition  her  eyes  riveted  upon  him  and  did 
not  relax  until  the  last  word  had  fallen  from  his  lips ; 
when  she  arose  and  clapped  her  hands  vigorously,  to 
the  utter  astonishment  of  all — Patriots,  Royalists,  and 
Progressionists,  none  of  whom  ventured  to  emulate  her 
example.  Even  Martha  Norton  dared  not  voice  a 
sentiment,  though  she  sat  facing  the  speaker  and 
coldly  smiled;  whereupon  Bender  laughed  and  im- 
prudently cheered. 

It  now  came  Aokahameha's  turn  to  urge  the  pas- 
sage of  the  bills,  and  as  the  tall  man  arose  and  thun- 
dered forth  his  native  eloquence,  in  support  of  ancient 
law  and  traditional  right,  roar  after  roar  of  applause 
went  up  from  the  floor  only  to  be  hurled  back  again 
doubly  strong  by  the  galleries.  There  was  no  mis- 
taking the  sentiment  of  either  the  legislature  or  the 
audience  there  assembled,  and  as  the  speaker  waxed 
hotter  and  grew  stronger  the  hearts  and  minds  of 
men  and  women  ceased  to  bicker  and  barter  the  crim- 
soned promise  or  lofty  notions  of  race  superiority. 
It  were  enough  that  man  should  resolve  the  virtue 
of  higher  being  in  the  light  of  righteous  intent,  and  the 
power  of  oratory  swept  them  into  the  vortex  of  larger 
truth. 

When  the  last  round  of  applause  had  died  out  a 
deep,  strange  uncertainty  seized  upon  the  more 


34  KAIUOLANI 

thoughtful  and  everybody  breathed  heavily  in  the  pause 
that  followed.  There  seemed  to  be  no  unity  of  pur- 
pose, not  a  fixed  ground  upon  which  to  base  a  rea- 
sonable presumption.  Men  and  women,  completely 
wrapped  in  mysticism,  groped  through  the  dismal  halls, 
unsettled  in  bearing  and  doubtful  of  their  safety, 
while  Xane  Bender  moved  freely  about  and  hovered 
over  all  like  a  sphinx  in  lowering  darkness. 

The  queen  sat  some  distance  away  silently,  hope- 
fully awaiting  the  vote  that  should  restore  a  lost  and 
beneficent  heritage.  She  had  more  at  stake  than  any 
other  living  soul  in  that  land,  yet  bore  the  suspense 
with  a  fortitude  and  dignity  that  none  had  hitherto 
shown. 

The  inactivity  either  in  the  balconies  or  upon  the 
floor  did  not  last  so  very  long,  however,  for  the  Pro- 
gressionists soon  came  to  realize  that  in  some  mysteri- 
ous way  their  schemes  were  being  placed  in  jeopardy; 
and  that,  too,  by  one  of  their  own  number.  They 
could  understand  how  Bender,  a  shrewd  cattle  man 
from  the  mountain  wilds  to  the  southward,  might 
stoop  to  any  expediency,  would  for  a  purpose  play 
them  false,  but  what  was  the  consideration?  How 
should  he  profit  by  the  ruse? 

Throughout  the  halls  little  knots  of  members  or 
interested  spectators  eagerly  sought  for  the  secret 
or  discussed  plans  to  check  their  opponents'  rising 
strength.  On  the  Patriots'  side  of  the  house  each 
moment  lent  enthusiasm  and  Bender's  leadership  grew 
in  popularity :  rapidly  moving  from  one  to  another 
his  judgment  soon  became  the  keynote  to  success  and 
his  counsel  was  finally  heralded  with  respect.  Not 
a  few  volunteered  their  hitherto  doubtful  support, 


KAIUOLANI  35 

and  everywhere  he  went,  among  his  adherents,  they 
loudly  proclaimed  him  "The  Champion  Ranger  from 
Waiahiui." 

Amid  the  confusion  upon  the  floor,  led  by  Bender 
on  one  hand  and  Varnum,  an  outsider,  on  the  other, 
a  far  more  significant  gathering,  though  small  in  num- 
bers, sitting  in  the  extreme  front  of  the  balcony,  dis- 
cussed seriously  the  impending  crisis  and  prospective 
ballot.  Guttenborj,  Harvenoiq,  and  Young  thus  con- 
stituted their  own  audience,  and  the  subject  that  con- 
cerned them  most  grew  out  of  the  likelihood,  should 
the  queen  gain  control,  of  Young  being  dismissed 
from  the  army ;  or,  if  retained,  would  he  be  placed  at 
its  head?  A  grave  matter  this  was,  and  not  from 
choice  did  the  ambitious  young  officer  tolerate  the 
presence  of  an  American  diplomat  in  the  ventilation 
of  a  question  so  personal,  but  out  of  respect  for  his 
employer's  wish  made  no  protest,  feeling  it  a  duty  to 
express  himself  freely  and  without  reserve.  The  man 
whose  confidence  and  favor  had  raised  him  from  a 
small  mercantile  clerkship  to  the  position  of  chief  ad- 
viser to  the  largest  concern  in  the  Islands,  made  it 
possible  for  him  to  win  social  distinction,  stand  at  the 
head  of  one  branch  of  the  militia,  and  meet  and  gain 
the  love  of  a  prospective  occupant  of  the  throne, 
wielded  an  influence  little  short  of  conviction ;  hence, 
perhaps  unwittingly,  Young  freely  subordinated  his 
own  interests  to  those  of  Gutenborj. 

Directly  facing  them,  far  back  to  the  rear,  sat  Kaiuo- 
lani,  Ihoas,  and  Norton — who  had  nosed  herself  into 
an  unwelcome  tolerance.  They  were  admiring  the 
beautiful  costumes  or  casting  side  glances  at  the 
young  gallants,  particularly  the  one  in  the  farther 


36  KAIUOLANI 

end  of  the  balcony.  Presently  Aokahameha  entered 
the  box ;  and  complimenting  him  upon  his  splendid 
success  in  debate  Ihoas,  after  a  little,  withdrew. 

Norton  acted  less  discreetly,  and  took  it  upon  herself 
to  lead  in  a  decidedly  frigid  conversation.  Neither  of 
her  listeners  paid  more  than  civil  attention  to  her 
stilted  remarks  or  considered  seriously  the  silly  effu- 
sion of  weak  sentimentality  indulged ;  though  imme- 
diately she  broached  the  subject  of  Young's  emulation, 
and  undertook  foolishly  to  elicit  an  expression,  they 
rebelled  and  politely  made  known  the  agreeableness  of 
her  absence.  Then  and  not  until  then  the  piqued 
woman  arose  and  excused  herself  for  having  intruded. 

"I  really  pity  Martha,"  said  Kaiuolani,  sympa- 
thetically, though  contemplating  more  the  situation  of 
a  menial  than  of  a  lady. 

"I  am  not  quite  certain  that  she  deserves  as  much," 
replied  Aokahameha,  recalling  his  accidental  but  well- 
fixed  opinion. 

"But  she  is  ambitious,  and  I  do  so  love  to  see  a 
deserving  person  succeed,"  continued  the  princess, 
with  no  thought  of  Norton's  really  patent  but  unsug- 
gestive  designs. 

"A  very  laudable  termination  for  truly  worthy  ef- 
fort," remarked  her  listener,  with  due  respect. 

"I  should  believe  her  worthy,  if,  perhaps,  well  ad- 
vised," remarked  Kaiuolani,  still  heedless  of  the  young 
lady  journalist's  aspirations. 

"Possibly.  I  presume  there  are  circumstances  under 
which  she  might  be  considered  the  equal  of  the  man 
she  covets.  At  all  events,  their  marriage  could  in  no 
manner  influence  our  regard  for  them,"  said  Aokaha- 


KAIUOLANI  37 

meha,  adroitly,  though  fully  anticipating  the  force  of 
his  remarks. 

The  shock  proved  greater  than  he  had  expected.  It 
opened  Kaiuolani's  eyes  and  she  faltered  helpless 
under  the  stress  of  a  sudden  realization  of  her  pre- 
dicament. She  had  chosen  so  to  forget  as  to  love 
beneath  her  station;  and  Aokahameha  knew  it:  pos- 
sibly all  of  her  friends  at  that  moment,  out  of  respect, 
withheld  their  condemnation.  Then  the  bare  con- 
sciousness of  a  rival  seized  upon  her  and,  in  conse- 
quence, what  cared  she  for  rank  or  birth?  Love 
reasserted  its  sway,  and  bald  reason  fell  a  weakling 
at  the  call  of  heart.  She  would  face  even  an  inferior 
to  win  love's  trophy,  though  triumph  cost  her  undoing. 

The  observant  prince  left  her  there  to  conjure  an 
undisputed  feeling,  and  hurried  to  his  seat  on  the 
floor;  the  vote  upon  the  enactment — framed  into  one 
sweeping  bill — had  been  called,  and  no  time  or  strength 
must  be  lost.  Aokahameha  proved  faithful,  and  when 
the  "Ayes"  had  determined  a  safe  majority  a  thunder- 
ous applause  startled  the  dead  walls  within  or  rent 
the  still  air  without.  In  the  pandemonium  that  fol- 
lowed the  efforts  of  weak-kneed  statesmen  to  change 
face,  Young's  fruitless  ballot  was  lost  to  notice;  and 
turning — doubtfully  conscious — he  read  in  Kaiuolani's 
tears  a  kindly  consolation.  She  had  this  time  happily 
expressed  a  becoming  loyalty,  but  her  heart  was  his; 
and  out  of  their  love  arose  a  strength  to  measure  any 
destiny. 

The  queen  alone  remained  fixed  and  undisturbed. 
The  news  of  victory  only  impressed  her  more  deeply 
with  the  gravity  of  an  unalterable  situation.  She  was 
not  there  to  exult  over  a  triumph  conceived  in  justice, 


38  KAIUOLANI 

nor  to  sympathize  unduly  with  those  who  would  base 
their  contentions  solely  upon  material  progress.  Life 
to  her  held  a  deeper  meaning,  and  turning  thought  to 
loftier  ideals  her  majesty  awaited  calmly  the  conclu- 
sion of  business,  then  forthwith  and  unhesitatingly 
prorogued  that  legislature. 


CHAPTER  V 

With  the  passage  of  the  bill,  the  old  regime,  of  cat- 
hauling  and  graft-taking,  which  had  for  so  long  a  time 
disturbed  their  peace  and  threatened  dire  disaster, 
bade  fair  to  become  a  derelict.  The  thankless  greed 
of  political  tricksters  and  the  benevolent  craft  of 
suckling  kings  was  in  one  short  session  wiped  from 
the  governmental  chessboard.  The  ancient  constitu- 
tion, the  glory  of  the  Kamehamehas,  had  been  re- 
claimed ;  and  forthwith,  in  modernized  form,  Liliuoko- 
lani  undertook  its  promulgation. 

The  work  laid  before  the  legislature  had  been  car- 
ried through  swiftly  and  according  to  agreement ;  Ben- 
der did  as  he  had  bargained  to  do;  so  had  the  queen 
kept  her  word,  to  the  letter :  the  new  cabinet  con- 
firmed, thereat, — upon  the  dismissal  of  the  old  one, — 
included  Xane  Bender,  Minister  of  Finance,  and  no- 
body there,  excepting  Varnam  and  his  clique  of  inter- 
lopers, at  that  time  regretted  the  circumstance. 

True  the  newly  recognized  leader  had  come  into 
their  midst,  only  a  few  years  theretofore,  a  stranger 
and  without  taking  the  pains  to  make  known  his  ante- 
cedents or  the  place  whence  he  came.  Old  man  Qualb, 
the  hermit  cattle  king,  on  the  south  side  of  Hawaii 
island,  had  taken  him  in,  at  his  coming,  presumably 
a  tramp,  and  given  him  employment.  Only  a  few 
years  elapsed  (during  which  time  the  transformed 
vagrant  faithfully  attended  his  benefactor's  herds)  till 
Bender,  designing  and  shrewd,  seemed  to  have  con- 


40  KAIUOLANI 

vinced  the  aged  rancher  of  a  blood  relationship, — that 
of  a  nephew  in  uncertain  degree, — and  had  become, 
by  some  secret  influence,  his  sole  legatee;  whereupon 
the  aged  recluse  obscurely  died,  and  the  nervy  young 
man  suddenly  possessed  himself  of  the  uncounted 
herds  and  abundant  treasure  that  roamed  the  slopes  of 
Mauna-Loa  or  lie  hidden  in  the  caves  of  Kileauea. 

A  bold  stroke  this  seemed  to  some,  good  business  to 
others ;  and,  perhaps,  even  Gutenborj  may  have  in- 
wardly preferred  a  man  at  the  head  of  a  depleted 
national  treasury  who  could  do  things.  At  all  events 
no  protest  was  made  against  the  new  minister's  enter- 
ing into  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  and  as  to  the  past 
it  might  never  have  been  known,  or  concerned  any- 
body, in  a  land  where  neighbors  are  loath  to  question 
methods,  had  not  fate  followed  him  and  in  time  laid 
bare  the  well  guarded  secret. 

The  last  of  the  Kalakaua  cabinets,  composed  entirely 
of  designing  foreigners,  had  been  dismissed  and  in  its 
stead  the  new  one — a  compromise,  perhaps,  but  be- 
holden to  the  throne  and  subservient  to  the  laws — 
met  in  the  great  chamber  of  state  and  proceeded  to 
the  discharge  of  its  bounden  duty.  No  question  could 
arise  as  to  leadership;  Bender  stood  over  them  as  he 
did  over  the  legislature ;  and  public  attention  now 
centered  in  the  choice  of  a  commander-in-chief  of  the 
army. 

The  foreign  holders  of  property  and  rights  had 
gained  their  possessions  and  concessions  largely 
through  the  instrumentality  of  the  recently  defeated 
and  now  turbulent  Progressionists,  but  with  that  their 
interest  ceased ;  they  now  looked  to  the  queen  for 


KAIUOLANI  41 

protection,  and  while  trusting  her  implicitly  were 
doubtful  about  Bender. 

In  the  creation  of  the  Rifles,  which  grew  out  of  the 
disturbances  a  few  years  theretofore,  his  money  and 
influence,  more  than  that  of  any  other,  enlisted  and 
equipped  the  regiment.  He  had  conceded  Gutenborj 
the  right  to  name  a  leader,  though  his  friendship  for 
Young  had  never  been  the  best.  That  a  fancied 
rivalry  had  grown  up  between  them  for  the  hand 
of  the  princess,  Bender's  once  passive  acknowledg- 
ment developed  into  a  deep-seated  hatred.  He  would, 
therefore,  humble  his  social  superior:  by  keeping  his 
word,  gain  further  the  queen's  confidence;  through 
the  medium  of  Aokahameha,  tighten  his  grip  upon  the 
opposing  army  division ;  and,  consolidating  the  hitherto 
heterogeneous  elements  of  discord,  lay  the  immediate 
foundation  for  ultimate  supremacy. 

Martha  Norton  alone  knew,  or  could  guess,  rea- 
sonably, the  outcome  of  Bender's  independence.  She 
it  was  who,  in  the  hope  of  personal  aggrandisement, 
had  played  false  her  trust  to  further  his  schemes,  and 
now  that  he,  in  the  flood-tide  of  enthusiasm,  had  been 
swept  quite  beyond  her  reach,  she  realized  for  the 
first  time  the  futility  of  a  one-sided  intrigue.  Her 
accomplice  might  succeed  in  wresting  Kaiuolani  ^rom 
Young's  grasp,  but  in  so  doing  the  latter's  prospects 
must  be  effectively  shattered.  What  cared  she  for 
any  man's  hand  without  success? 

"He  will  pay  me  back  in  my  own  coin — but  I  can 
crush  him,  crush  him  with  a  word !"  she  said,  to  her- 
self, tramping  angrily  the  floor,  in  her  bachelor  apart- 
ments at  the  hotel.  "No,  I  can't  do  that ;  I  must  first 
secure  Young.  I  shall  go  this  minute — there  is  no 


42  KAIUOLANI 

sane  reason  why  a  woman  should  wait  for  a  man  to 
propose." 

Young  and  his  employer  were  closeted  in  a  con- 
venient anteroom  when  Norton  arrived  at  the  capitol 
building,  fully  prepared  to  press  her  suit  to  but  one 
conclusion.  She  knew  full  well  her  hero's  aspirations, 
but  believing  him  to  be  a  man  of  sound  judgment,  as 
well  as  good  taste,  could  see  no  worthy  prospect  of 
a  refusal,  particularly  under  the  circumstances.  She 
had  been  reared  to  take  care  of  herself  in  the  walk 
for  greatness,  and  at  no  distant  past  was  still  con- 
sidered, by  some,  not  at  all  bad  looking,  in  form  if 
not  of  face.  He  need  have  no  fear  of  any  social 
failure, — her  presence  at  court  had  proven  as  much,-- 
and  there  she  was,  in  person,  ready  and  willing,  to 
answer  any  reasonable  test  as  to  her  amiability. 

As  she  entered,  unannounced,  Gutenborj  arose  and 
bidding  her  scant  recognition  went  into  the  adjoining 
chamber,  in  quest  of  Bender.  He  had  decided  to 
have  a  last  interview  with  the  man  who,  he  knew,  most 
of  all,  held  their  peace  and  security  in  hand. 

"How  fortunate!"  said  Norton,  deliberately  ap- 
proaching Young,  who  sat  overwhelmed  with  concern. 
"I  came  over  on  purpose  to  have  a  talk  with  you ;  and 
here  we  are,  alone  and  at  liberty ;  without  the  slightest 
difficulty.  May  I  sit  with  you  for  a  moment?" 

"Pardon  me,  Miss  Norton,  for  the  incivility.  Shall 
I  place  you  a  chair,  here,  at  the  table?" 

"Let  us  sit  on  the  couch,  by  the  window.  The  morn- 
ing air  is  refreshing,  and  I  am  so  heated.  What  T 
want  to  say  is  confidential :  I  should  rather  have  you 
close  at  hand." 

"Very  well.    If  you  like,  I  will  close  the  door." 


KAIUOLANI  43 

"Please  do.  You  can  trust  me — being  within  calling 
distance." 

They  remained  in  the  open,  where  the  bay  breeze 
floated  in,  cooling  their  cheeks,  as  they  edged  side- 
wise,  facing  each  other,  underneath  the  window.  Those 
solid  walls  had  listened  to  intrigue,  wrangle,  states- 
men's harangue,  society's  welcome,  the  joy  of  triumph 
or,  even,  the  fear  of  death ;  but  never  before  had  they 
witnessed,  scarcely,  the  ponderous  business  of  simple 
love-making.  The  door,  however,  stood  securely  closed 
before  them,  and  no  restraint  marred  a  speedy  begin- 
ning. 

"Mr.  Young,"  said  Norton,  directly  they  had  settled, 
"my  mission  may  surprise  you,  but  the  advantage  to 
be  reaped  I  know  you  will  understand.  There  is  a 
movement  on  foot  to  displace  you.  I  need  not  mention 
the  consequences,  inevitably  an  augury  to  us  all.  Would 
you  save  disaster  before  it  is  too  late?" 

Young  looked  his  questioner  squarely  in  the  face. 
Her  eyes  shone  with  the  force  of  conviction,  but 
underlying  the  frank  expression  there  seemed  to  lurk 
a  hidden  meaning.  He  pondered.  She  abided  the 
working-out  of  his  conscience. 

Presently  the  satisfied  officer  again  raised  his  eyes 
and  said  kindly  but  knowingly : 

"Yes ;  if  the  act  be  not  inconsistent  with  my  rights 
or  duty  as  a  man  and  a  citizen." 

The  blood  rushed  to  Norton's  face,  and  before  she 
could  utter  the  cherished  words  Bender  swung  open 
the  door  and  stamped  angrily  into  their  presence.  The 
two  arose,  standing  expectantly  by ;  then,  answering 
his  heated  questioning,  with  a  civility  begot  more  of 
understanding  than  complacency,  departed  from  the 


44  KAIUOLANI 

room,  quite  undaunted  if,  perhaps,  somewhat  undeter- 
mined. 

On  the  steps  in  front  they  encountered  Gutenborj, 
who  counselled  them  be  cautious;  whereupon  Norton 
sprang  into  her  carriage  and  drove  rapidly  toward  the 
palace,  while  Young  and  his  confidant  walked  pru- 
dently away,  in  close  consultation,  to  their  place  of 
business,  not  far  distant  in  the  city. 

Inside  the  chamber  all  had  settled  down  to  the 
studied  routine  of  executing,  religiously  and  unquali- 
fiedly, what  the  wily  minister  of  finance  now  rigidly 
imposed.  The  interview  by  Gutenborj  and  after-en- 
counter with  Young  and  Norton  stimulated  in  him  a 
desire  to  hurry  through  with  the  cabinet  proceedings 
as  expeditiously  as  possible,  and  before  the  midday 
recess  was  taken  Aokahameha's  appointment  to  the 
chief  command  of  the  army  had  been  ratified  and 
confirmed. 

When  the  last  resistance  had  been  brushed  aside 
and  the  final  agreement  announced,  the  old  halls  rang 
with  enthusiastic  praise,  and  far  out  into  the  city  the 
news  spread  as  if  swept  thither  in  a  speeding  whirl- 
wind. Even  Wagner  P.  Onslow,  Minister  of  Foreign 
Affairs, — an  avowed  Varnumite,  appointed  to  con- 
ciliate in  a  measure  the  Progressionists, — vowed  that 
there  was  not  another  in  the  whole  of  Hawaii  who 
could  so  command  the  respect  of  both  natives  and 
foreigners  as  Aokahameha,  and  that  under  his  guid- 
ance the  army  should  become,  at  last,  the  true  con- 
servator of  peace  and  real  guarantor  of  law  and  order. 

At  the  palace,  Kaiuolani  peevishly  unfolded  her 
childish  plea  and  uncertain  desires  to  her  gracious 
majesty,  who  diligently  answered  with  loving  caresses 


KAIUOLANI  45 

and  easily  escaped  anything  resembling  a  positive 
denial.  Martha  Norton  was  there,  hiding  on  the  out- 
side; an  opportunity  was  all  she  craved.  Thus — a 
courier  dashed  up ;  the  coveted  word  had  at  last  ar- 
rived, and  Liliuokolani's  countenance  beamed  with 
satisfaction ;  his  manner  revealed  the  truth,  and  Kaiuo- 
lani  threw  her  arms  around  the  queen's  neck,  breathing 
a  deep-drawn  sigh. 

"Do  you  love  me  aunty?"  asked  she,  her  eyes  re- 
flecting tenderly  the  burden  of  a  great  compassion. 

"Yes,  darling;  your  happiness  embodies  the  con- 
tent of  my  highest  ambition.  I  wish  that  God  had 
so  symbolized  your  deepest  inspiration." 

Kaiuolani's  bright  eyes  shone  with  a  love  that  gath- 
ered and  flashed  a  depth  deeper  than  the  reach  of 
man,  yet  the  mind  faltered  and  wavered  in  the  bal- 
ance of  duty.  She  would  have  clung  to  the  God  soul, 
had  not  the  tempter  of  morality  bade  vulgar  defiance. 
She  must  yet  find  strength  to  resolve  the  inevitable, 
and  as  they  sat  in  soothing  embrace — the  mother  queen 
and  child  daughter — an  unexplained  but  potent  deter- 
miner rose  before  them  to  snatch  from  truth  its  cer- 
tain victory.  Aokahameha,  with  braided  vestments 
and  uniformed  poise,  had  softly  entered  and  silently 
stood,  biding  the  command  that  fate  decrees. 

Arising  as  if  conscious  of  a  thing  mysteriously  com- 
pelling, the  princess  flew  thither  as  a  moth  to  its  doom. 
Admiration  overcame  inclination,  and  addressing  him 
in  his  new  role  she  said,  buoyantly : 

"Aokahameha !" 

The  proud  man  extended  both  hands  for  answer, 
and  as  they  stood  the  queen  admonished  him: 

"It  ill  becomes  me  to  congratulate  you,  Aokahameha ; 


46  KAIUOLANI 

I  have  imposed  a  burden  that  no  other  could  have 
assumed  with  such  grace  and  devotion.  You  honor 
me  and  serve  your  country,  in  accepting  this  responsi- 
bility :  may  God  be  your  guide,  and  I  worthy  your  con- 
fidence. Your  own  volition  is  the  sole  guarantor  of 
our  liberty.  I  have  no  other  command.  The  Queen, 
Liliuokolani." 

"Words  of  mine  would  be  an  unfitting  answer;  I 
shall  endeavor  in  act  to  merit  your  esteem,  and  with 
pleasure  go  forthwith  to  my  command,"  replied  he, 
with  renewed  determination. 

"Can't  I  go  with  you?  I  should  love  to  visit  the 
armory,  and  the  ride  alongside  'Tie'  (his  war  horse) 
would  be  just  delightful.  'Ipo'  (her  riding  horse)  is 
at  my  service — can't  I  Aoka?"  asked  the  princess, 
with  tempting  voice. 

"If  you  choose  to  ride  thus,  I  shall  certainly  enjoy 
the  treat.  Have  you  the  queen's  permission?"  in- 
quired he,  in  courtesy. 

"Yes,"  volunteered  the  good  queen,  anticipating 
Kaiuolani's  request;  "and  I  can't  resist  saying  that 
another  such  pair  never  rode  the  streets  of  Hawaii." 

"We  shall  try  not  to  forfeit  your  majesty's  most 
gracious  opinion,"  answered  Aokahameha,  pleasantly. 

They  galloped  along  to  the  merry  clatter  of  ringing 
steel,  flitting  the  long  shadows  that  fell  glimmering  in 
the  roadway.  A  husky  guard  saluted  as  they  passed 
the  gate  and  plunged  on,  down  the  broad  avenue,  in- 
spired by  the  cool  breath  of  approaching  twilight  and 
livened  with  the  glow  of  happy  thought.  Heads  were 
bared  and  chance  flowers  strewn  as  they  went ;  no  feel- 
ing of  disloyalty  entered  the  hearts  of  those  who  had 


KAIUOLANI  47 

learned  to  respect  their  superiors  in  the  fullness  of  con- 
tent. 

Slowing  down  at  the  big  bend,  sweeping  round  to 
the  parade  grounds,  a  squad  of  native  soldiers,  ma- 
neuvering in  the  distance,  possessed  Kaiuolani  with 
new  impulse;  whereupon,  turning  suddenly  to  Aoka- 
hameha,  she,  half  doubtfully,  half  in  confidence,  said : 

"Will  Colonel  Young  never  again  wear — his  uni- 
form— and  sword — and  ride — in  front  of  the  Rifles?" 

"Oh  yes,  he  may,"  replied  the  newly  made  general, 
divining  her  concern ;  he  shall  retain  his  rank :  the  only 
change  shall  be  an  added  piece  of  braid  or  an  extra 
plume  for,  possibly,  myself.  Some  one  must  lead  the 
Rifles,  and  I  could  scarcely  choose  another  to  fill  his 
place — may  find  it  difficult,  even,  to  select  one  of  equal 
merit  to  serve  the  Guards." 

"I  am  glad,"  answered  the  princess,  as  they  came 
closer  and  a  sentinel  back-stepped  to  salute. 

They  rode  on,  round  to  the  front,  where  two  guards 
seized  the  reins  and  Aokahameha,  springing  to  the 
ground,  assisted  Kaiuolani  to  dismount.  A  deathly 
stillness  pervaded.  Some  strange,  ominous  something 
seemed  to  possess  the  place  and  drive  cold  the  blood 
in  Aokahameha's  veins.  Kaiuolani  held  fast  to  his 
arm,  and  walking  in  at  the  door  they  found  the  build- 
ing empty ;  the  Rifles  had  gone ! 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  sudden  revelation  momentarily  overcame  the 
anxious  Patriot,  but  looking  Kaiuolani  in  the  face  he 
read  afresh  the  lesson  of  traditional  loyalty.  The 
young  princess  may  have  been  fickle  with  her  love, 
but  the  conscious  glance  of  a  Mau  had  laid  bare  the 
unwarranted  trickery  of  a  foe. 

"Go,  Aokahameha,"  said  she,  with  energy;  "you 
have  need  for  a  better  occupation  than  the  entertain- 
ment of  a  friend.  The  armory,  the  bulwark  of  our 
homes,  has  been  rifled  of  its  stores;  the  troops  divided, 
and  the  half  stolen  away:  you  must  call  to  arms  a 
friendlier  keep,  and  for  its  equipment  my  fortune  is 
at  your  command.  Use  it.  Arouse  them.  And  by 
the  spirit  of  our  fathers  save  the  nation's  glory." 

Kaiuolani  rode  alone  and  without  fear  toward  Cas- 
tle Banyan,  her  home  in  the  mountain  gorge,  just  out- 
side the  city  limits.  With  each  stride  a  new  inspira- 
tion possessed  her  and  from  every  thought  a  myriad 
aspects  arose:  before  Ipo,  steaming  and  blowing,  had 
carried  her  beneath  the  historic  arch  at  the  old  an- 
cestral estates  a  deep-set  consciousness  of  her  own 
shame  burned  hard  the  blush  and  conjured  a  hatred 
of  that  whence  it  had  sprung.  She  would  give  her 
life  to  reclaim  a  passion,  and  sacrifice  a  fortune  to 
establish  her  worth. 

Thus  the  two  most  ardent  Patriots  in  the  land  lost 
faith  in  the  Royalists,  whom  they  charged  not  only 
with  insubordination  but  with  trickery  as  well.  To 
Aokahameha's  mind  none  except  Young  could  have 


KAIUOLANI  49 

spirited  away  the  half  of  their  little  force  without 
immediate  detection.  Kaiuolani  charged  Gutenborj 
with  the  incentive,  and  saw  in  his  interests  the  colonel's 
motive  unfold.  The  ready  defenders  of  questionably 
gotten  gain  had  deceived  alike  the  Progressionists  and 
the  Patriots,  and  though  shocked  at  the  audacity  of 
so  flagrant  a  move  as  this,  both  the  prince  and  the 
princess  entertained  no  doubt  as  to  the  final  outcome. 

A  government  founded  upon  all  that  they  had 
evolved  must  be  sustained,  and  the  queen  upheld  at 
any  hazard — though  she  at  that  moment  was  paying 
heed  to  the  tongues  that  would  do  her  destruction. 

Norton  had  spent  the  afternoon  gaining  an  audi- 
ence, not  in  an  official  capacity,  but  as  a  representa- 
tive of  the  press,  and  upon  eliciting  finally  the  informa- 
tion that  Young's  command  had  not  been  taken  away 
from  him  hastened  to  carry  thither  the  intelligence. 
This  she  had  not  succeeded  in  doing,  however,  without 
attracting  the  attention  of  Bender ;  who,  no  longer  pos- 
sessing the  influence  to  coerce  his  former  accomplice, 
went  forthwith  to  the  queen  for  information. 

"I  would  not  question  your  majesty's  choice  of  at- 
tendants,— not  in  the  least, — but  I  doubt  seriously  the 
motive  in  this  woman  Norton.  She  will  bear  watch- 
ing," said  he,  in  answer  to  the  queen's  assurance  that 
no  other  interest  than  a  friendly  care  for  Young  had 
been  expressed. 

"She  is  not  of  my  selection — you  may  remember 
that;  though,  I  am  free  to  say,  as  yet,  I  have  no  con- 
sequential reason  to  regret  the  appointment,"  replied 
she,  to  his  further  importuning,  fully  conscious  of  her 
apparent  helplessness. 


50  KAIUOLANI 

"Your  majesty's  minister  of  finance  would  not  in 
any  manner  abuse  that  sensibility, — far  from  it, — but 
should  anything  occur  to  arouse  suspicion  please  allow 
him  the  credit  for  having  advised  you  in  due  time. 
Neither  Young  nor  Norton  can  longer  be  of  service; 
their  usefulness  has  passed,"  answered  Bender,  know- 
ingly and  with  good  intentions,  though  personally 
anxious  for  Young's  dismissal. 

"Aokahameha  will  attend  to  Young's  proper  dis- 
position ;  I  shall  have  at  court  all  I  can  manage,  before 
the  new  constitution  is  proclaimed.  Pardon  me  for 
declining  to  discuss  the  circumstance  further  at  this 
time,"  said  the  queen,  moved  with  the  fellow's  im- 
pertinence, but  dignified  in  her  response. 

At  his  departure  Liliuokolani  resolved  to  investi- 
gate on  her  own  account  the  mysterious  intelligence, 
at  least  so  far  as  Norton  was  concerned.  She  enter- 
tained no  doubt  about  Aokahameha's  ability  to  cope 
with  Young,  should  occasion  arise;  therefore,  resign- 
ing herself  to  what  appeared  to  be  no  more  than  an 
unpleasant  household  duty,  sent  hurriedly  for  Ihoas. 

Her  trusted  lady  in  waiting  came  quickly,  and  nerv- 
ously crossing  the  room  stood  waiting  her  majesty's 
pleasure.  Until  then,  courage  did  not  desert  her ;  now, 
that  she  confronted  the  queen,  whom  she  loved  with  a 
life,  her  face  whitened  in  despair.  The  power  to  speak 
had  gone. 

"What  is  it,  Ihoas  ?"  asked  the  queen,  conscious  that 
some  great  burden  overwrought  her  attendant. 

"I  have  news  for  your  majesty,"  answered  she,  hesi- 
tatingly. 

"Is  it  bad?" 

"Yes !" 


KAIUOLANI  51 

"Then,  pray,  don't  tell  me.  I  had  hoped  to  hear  no 
more,"  replied  Liliuokolani,  heavily. 

"It  is  from  Aokahameha — and  concerns  us  all,  your 
majesty,"  ventured  Ihoas,  adroitly. 

"Then  I  should  hear  it.  You  may  speak,  Ihoas;  I 
can  trust  you." 

"The  Rifles  have  disappeared!" 

The  queen  fell  back  in  her  chair,  powerless  to  speak. 
Disloyalty  was  a  thing  Liliuokolani  could  not,  did  not 
comprehend.  Her  opponents  might  wrangle  for  pref- 
erence— even  contend  for  recognition ;  that  any  within 
her  jurisdiction  might  strike  at  government,  tamper 
with  the  army,  she  must  not,  would  not  believe. 

Ihoas  kneeled  at  her  side,  secretly  offering  a  prayer 
for  deliverance,  and  after  a  little  the  queen  said,  com- 
posedly : 

"Send  Miss  Norton  to  me." 

Dispatching  a  messenger  as  directed,  Ihoas  begged 
her  own  excuse  and  went  in  search  of  Elmsford, — 
whom  she  found,  together  with  Sir  Charles,  seriously 
engaged  at  the  British  consulate, — while  the  queen 
awaited  patiently  the  arrival  of  Norton ;  who  came, 
directly,  not  at  all  advised  of  the  circumstance  or  pur- 
pose for  which  she  had  been  called. 

"Possibly  you  can  tell  me  what  the  withdrawal  of 
the  Rifles  at  this  most  trying  time  means?"  demanded 
the  queen,  candidly. 

"I  do  not  understand  you?"  replied  Norton,  perfectly 
innocent  of  the  unexpected  coup. 

"Do  you  mean  to  tell  me  that  you  know  nothing 
about  this  treacherous  move?"  queried  her  majesty, 
half  doubtful. 


52  KAIUOLANI 

"I  certainly  do  not.  It  is  the  first  intimation  I  have 
had  of  anything's  having  gone  wrong." 

Then  you  have  ceased  to  be  of  usefulness — I  dis- 
charge you  from  any  further  connection  with  the 
household.  Please  govern  yourself  accordingly." 

The  sudden  falling  from  grace  affected  the  witless 
aspirant  more  than  any  danger  that  might  arise  from 
treason  in  the  ranks.  How  could  she  gain  the  col- 
onel's hand  if  socially  dethroned?  The  queen  had  but 
done  her  duty.  Someone  must  have  quietly  tattled : 
the  most  likely  of  all  appeared  to  be  Bender.  She 
should  first  prove  his  unworthiness,  then  seek  a  recon- 
ciliation. Her  conscience  grated  cold  upon  the  hard 
bars  of  disappointment  and  ambition  conjured  an  over- 
whelming desire  for  a  speedy  reinstatement. 

Wayntro  was  gone ;  he,  a  captain  in  the  Rifles,  had 
been  hastily  assigned  to  their  immediate  command,  in 
the  absence  of  Young;  everybody  had  disappeared  as 
if  by  magic ;  the  queen  had  been  left  to  sorrow,  and 
Norton  sat  alone  in  her  sanctum:  the  Ware  Wizzard 
Wise  should  contain  an  editorial,  in  the  morning,  that 
would  right  a  discredited  lady  and  consign  Bender  to 
his  deserved  doom. 

The  lone  journalist  did  her  work  well ;  for  long  be- 
fore the  last  sheet  had  dried  from  the  press  that  morn- 
ing, a  wave  of  discontent  had  spread  and  swept,  the 
like  of  which  they  had  never  until  then  experienced. 
Little  knots  of  Progressionists  gathered  here  and  there, 
in  dark  corners  and  secluded  byways,  while  the 
Patriots  flocked  with  renewed  zeal  to  Aokahameha's 
call.  Royalists  were  roused,  from  the  workshop  to  the 
drawing  room,  and  everywhere  upon  the  street  or  in 
the  house  the  significant  cry  arose: 


KAIUOLANI  53 

"Down  with  Bender!     Up  with  the  queen!" 

The  storm  lowered  and  centered  round  Gutenborj. 
It  was  he  who  had  weathered  the  stress  of  other  up- 
risings and  by  the  force  of  his  logic  snatched  the  crest 
of  state  from  the  seething  tide  of  unrest.  He  alone 
could  save  them  again,  should  wrest  the  queen  from 
the  hands  of  pilfering  concessionists  and  gambling 
vagabonds:  would  he  answer? 

They  cajoled,  threatened,  even  implored — he  re- 
mained stolid,  and  replied  sharply: 

"Call  upon  the  queen." 

Young,  in  the  excitement,  became  no  less  confused 
than  they  were  ardent,  and  quietly  approaching  his 
employer  and  supporter  cautiously  ventured : 

"What  had  we  best  do?" 

The  old  philosopher  leaned  back  in  his  chair,  and 
with  a  twinkling  in  the  eyes  said,  kindly: 

"My  boy,  I  understand  you, — know  your  feelings, — 
but  as  a  friend  would  advise:  never  swap  horses  in 
the  middle  of  a  stream." 

The  ladies  gathered  in  numbers :  among  them  were 
ex-queens  and  disappointed  royalty ;  leaders  of  the 
missions,  and  the  wives  of  magnates :  they  were  deter- 
mined, and  failing  to  impress  the  great  financier,  made 
their  way  toward  the  palace.  It  was  a  cheerless,  som- 
ber afternoon,  and  when  they  had  gained  audience  and 
made  known  their  opposition  to  the  bills  and  stated 
their  reasons,  requesting  that  she  withhold  her  signa- 
ture and  serve  their  wish,  the  queen  looked  from  one 
to  another,  arouwd  the  assemblage,  and,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  the  only  woman  she  had  dared  to  heed,  kindly 
but  firmly  referred  them  to  Gutenborj. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

The  signing  of  the  bill  had  been  deferred — not  from 
want  of  decision,  but  as  a  matter  of  policy — until,  hav- 
ing had  a  few  days'  reflection,  the  public  mind  should 
adapt  itself  to  government  necessity.  Liliuokolani 
understood  well  the  force  of  diplomacy,  and  though 
capable  of  calling  upon  the  militia  to  enforce  executive 
authority  would  have  healed  with  time  the  difference 
that  had  so  unfortunately  aroused  social  discontent. 

Ah  Mia  regarded  the  delay  with  stoical  indifference ; 
indeed,  felt  so  secure  in  his  right  that  he  had  already 
paid  into  the  treasury  a  first  installment  on  subsidy, 
to  the  amount  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  and 
held  himself  ready  to  pay  the  remaining  four  hundred 
thousand  upon  the  final  enactment  of  the  measure  in 
which  he  alone  was  directly  interested.  Isaacs,  father 
of  the  lottery  scheme,  grew  less  sanguine,  and  upon 
Norton's  unthought-of  outburst  hastened  to  her  for  an 
explanation. 

"I  don't  see  that  the  business  has  cost  you  anything, 
as  yet,"  said  the  wily  editress,  in  answer  to  his  plea 
for  mercy. 

"It  vill  though,  if  you  don't  let  up  a  leetle,"  replied 
he,  wringing  his  hands  and  feigning  abuse. 

"How  much?"  queried  Norton,  promptly. 

"Veil,  I  might  make  it  a  couble  thousand,"  ventured 
Isaacs,  as  a  "feeler." 

"Humph !     You   certainly   mistake   me.      I    am   no 


KAIUOLANI  55 

cheap  guy.  Make  it  an  even  hundred  thousand  and 
we  can  do  business;  if  not,  I  shall  do  you,"  threat- 
ened she,  with  calculating  exactness. 

"Have  mercy,  good  lady!  My  gracious  benefactress! 
I  haf  not  so  much !"  begged  he,  in  humble  attitude. 

"Where  are  the  proceeds  for  the  fake  jewels  you 
palmed  off  on  Kalakaua?  How  about  the  strong  box 
at  Niihau?"  asked  Norton,  with  imperturbable  calm- 
ness. 

"Father  Abraham !"  gasped  the  surprised  Israelite, 
grasping  the  significance  of  her  last  insinuation. 

"Martha  Norton,  you  mean !"  snarled  the  merciless 
"grafter." 

There  was  no  avoiding  a  deal  with  that  woman ;  the 
pawnbroker's  cash  was  not  only  forthcoming,  but  its 
ancient  hiding  place  discovered ;  thenceforth  he  be- 
came the  slave  that  his  avarice  made  him,  and  Martha 
Norton  devised  a  ready  use  for  his  luckless  contribu- 
tions. The  Ware  Wizzard  Wise,  in  the  absence  of  a 
shiftless  proprietor,  suddenly  turned  its  batteries  upon 
Gutenborj  (having  already  spent  its  force  against 
Bender),  relieving  judiciously  the  insatiate  Isaacs  and 
holding  up  as  a  martyr  the  sorely  coveted  Young. 

An  anxious  delegation  of  defeated  women  became, 
thus,  hopelessly  bewildered  in  their  search  for  some 
potent  factor  round  which  to  rally  an  organized  move- 
ment, while  the  disposition  of  the  Rifles  remained  a 
perfectly  guarded  secret ;  and  as  intended  the  ultimate 
purpose  became  solely  a  matter  of  conjecture,  outside 
the  immediate  source  of  their  apparent  wantage. 

The  scurrilous  attack  of  the  press  had  the  tendency 
to  upset  somewhat  the  comfortableness  of  the  sugar 
king's  position,  yet  did  not  in  the  least  alter  his  well- 


56  KAIUOLANI 

set  plans.  He  had  in  conjunction  with  the  colonel 
surmised  the  danger  of  a  demoralizing  influence  that' 
the  Progressionists  might  reasonably  be  expected  to 
set  at  work  among  that  portion  of  the  ranks.  They 
were,  mostly,  a  lot  of  raw  recruits,  tempted  solely  by 
the  cash  offered,  and  were  drawn  promiscuously  from 
doubtful  sources, — largely  political  rousters,  discarded 
incompetents,  deserting  sailors,  escaped  convicts,  and 
cheap  adventurers, — without  any  ingrafted  or  deter- 
minate discipline,  the  whole  of  them  always  enshroud- 
ing the  regiment's  dubious  enlistment  with  an  innuendo 
that  connotated  in  the  philosopher's  mind  anything  but 
a  settled  conviction.  Gutenborj  believed  in  law  and 
order,  and  saw  in  the  queen's  restoration  his  own 
security  attain ;  he  could  not  trust  her  defense  alone 
to  the  caprice  of  a  luckless  lot  whose  personal  require- 
ments suggested  a  willingness  to  sell  at  any  and  all 
times  to  the  highest  or  best  bidder. 

Young  held  his  command  in  better  esteem,  and 
thought  gallantry  sufficient  to  hold  together  in  any 
emergency  the  soldier  boys  whom  he  had  learned  to 
love,  for  their  enthusiasm  if  not  their  stalwartness. 
He  would  have  marched  his  men  at  the  head  of  the 
constitutional  procession  and  shown  by  valor  rather 
than  cleverness  an  honorable  intention  to  uphold  good 
government,  even  at  the  cost  of  personal  sacrifice ;  but 
his  benefactor's  maturer  years  influenced  him  and 
finally  occasioned  complete  acquiescence.  The  Rifles 
had  been  dispatched  somewhere  upon  some  sort  of 
mission,  and  out  of  the  mystery  enveloping  that 
maneuver  a  cloud  gathered  and  enlarged  until  the 
whole  populace  trembled  with  oncoming  fear. 

Gutenborj  hastened  to  the  queen  with  his  assurances  ; 


KAIUOLANI  57 

public  wrath  had  turned  upon  him,  but  he  scorned  to 
enlighten  them;  that  his  motives  had  been  questioned 
he  proposed  to  declare  to  her  alone  his  fealty. 

''Do  you  think  the  proposed  measures  vicious?" 
asked  the  queen,  candidly,  after  having  satisfied  her- 
self as  to  the  listener's  faithfulness. 

"I  do  not.  It  is  an  expedient  compromise,  in  the 
interest  of  good  government,"  answered  Gutenborj, 
with  the  stress  of  firm  conviction. 

"I  regret  the  disaffection :  I  should  like  to  obliterate 
all  dissension,"  replied  Liliuokolani,  in  a  voice  that 
betrayed  the  heart  underlying  a  fixed  resolution. 

"Your  majesty's  humanitarianism  well  becomes  her 
exalted  province,  but  in  the  administration  of  justice 
it  is  not  always  possible  to  gratify  factional  require- 
ments ;  the  vast  majority  of  your  subjects  coincide  with 
the  administration ;  property  interests  under  your  juris- 
diction are  almost  a  unit  in  their  approval ;  what 
greater  encouragement  can  serve  a  ruler?"  queried  he, 
logically  and  truthfully. 

"Your  friendly  auspices  strengthen  me;  I  would  do 
the  greatest  good  to  the  largest  number,"  said  the 
queen,  thanking  him  for  the  kindly  interest  shown. 

Upon  returning  to  his  place  of  business  the  now 
thoroughly  denounced  Royalist  found  public  indigna- 
tion gradually  giving  way  to  a  decidedly  heated  specu- 
lation. All  eyes  had  once  more  turned  toward  the 
queen :  would  she,  in  the  face  of  respectable  demon- 
stration, sign  the  obnoxious  bill?  If  so,  there  must  be 
some  sympathy  between  the  removal  of  the  Rifles  and 
her  majesty's  plans.  The  Patriots  became  enthusiastic 
with  expectations;  Royalists  generally  resigned  them- 
selves to  the  consolation  of  such  a  possibility ;  a  strag- 


58  KAIUOLANI 

gling  few  malcontents  and  sympathizing  missionaries 
still  harped  their  disapproval  or  joined  forces  with  the 
Progressionists  in  prophesying  dire  disaster.  Indecision 
had  dissipated  the  possibility  of  any  concerted  move- 
ment, and  the  one  hope  of  everybody  centered  in  the 
queen's  doing. 

Bender  alone  chafed  under  restraint;  the  press  had 
turned  the  tide  of  denunciation  from  him,  but  in  so 
doing  it  had  raised  Young  to  greater  public  notice,  at- 
tempting a  justification  of  his  act  personally,  what- 
ever the  motive  might  prove  to  be.  The  shrewd  minis- 
ter of  finance  understood  full  well  the  young  colonel's 
situation  with  reference  to  the  army  ruse,  which  he  be- 
lieved ill-advised  and  of  its  own  accord,  whatever  the 
intention,  a  harmless  failure,  and  to  check  Young's 
suddenly  growing  popularity  without  exposing,  and 
thus  alienating  the  master  hand,  Gutenborj,  he  strove 
to  urge  a  hasty  conclusion  of  proceedings  at  court. 

To  this  end  he  had  been  materially  assisted  by  the 
hearty  planter's  words  of  encouragement  to  the  queen ; 
no  less  had  she  been  strengthened  in  her  position  by 
Aokahameha's  success  in  mustering  additional  troops 
among  the  Patriots;  there  seemed  now  to  be  no  ob- 
stacle in  the  way  of  enacting  the  bill  except  failure 
arise  within  the  ministry  itself.  From  all  sources  came 
a  constantly  rising  intelligence  that  the  only  real  oppo- 
sition to  the  throne  centered  round  a  few  rabid  Pro- 
gressionists or  weakly  sympathizers,  and  that  their 
apparent  contention  had  resolved  itself  into  more  the 
condemnation  of  an  unexplained  incident  than  a  deter- 
mination to  resist  established  authority.  In  this  belief 
and  with  such  assurances  the  queen  gave  final  audi- 


KAIUOLANI  59 

ence  to  Bender,  their  own  highly  commended  spokes- 
man. 

"I  have  only  one  more  request  to  make,"  said  she, 
after  having  exhaustively  discussed  the  subject  from 
the  standpoint  of  the  populace. 

"Your  majesty  has  but  to  command  me,"  replied 
he,  with  no  appearance  or  thought  of  betrayal. 

"Satisfy  me  that  the  ministry  approves  this  meas- 
ure," continued  Liliuokolani,  in  the  face  of  earnest 
desire. 

"I  give  you  my  word:  they  are  for  it  to  a  man. 
You  have  only  to  call  them  to  prove  my  assertion," 
replied  Bender,  certain  of  his  position. 

"You  know  whereof  you  speak:  I  do  not  question 
your  veracity;  your  honor  is  my  only  guaranty,"  an- 
swered the  queen,  none  the  less  positive  that  in  self- 
abnegation  rested  her  ultimate  strength. 

Liliuokolani  bade  the  chief  minister  remain ;  where- 
upon, sending  for  him,  the  high  chamberlain  ap- 
proached, and  presenting  the  document,  the  queen,  in 
a  bold  hand,  attached  her  signature.  Calmly  laying 
aside  the  pen  her  majesty  looked  Bender  in  the  face, 
saying,  kindly: 

"I  have  done  my  duty;  it  now  remains  only  for  you 
to  do  yours." 

With  the  signing  of  the  bill  the  last  doubt  had  been 
removed  and  the  legality  of  the  measures  established 
beyond  peradventure ;  no  one  questioned  the  authority, 
and  everybody  seemingly  resigned  himself  to  a  fore- 
gone conclusion  that  the  cabinet  would  be  equally  as 
prompt  with  endorsing  the  new  constitution  as  had 
been  the  queen  judicious  in  executing  the  act  authoriz- 
ing, among  other  things,  its  promulgation.  Liliuokolani 


60  KAIUOLANI 

had  even  gone  farther :  she  had  listened  with  patience 
to  sectional  discord,  and  as  well  kept  faith  with  those 
in  whom  she  trusted.  Though  some  may  have  har- 
bored a  bitter  disappointment  they  no  longer  openly 
voiced  their  feelings ;  the  vast  majority  of  her  subjects 
believed  in  a  "square  deal,"  and  with  her  majesty's 
part  faithfully  done  they  all  looked  anxiously  forward 
to  the  ministry's  unqualified  and  speedy  acquiescence 
in  the  last  act  of  restitution. 

So  confident  was  the  queen  of  success  that  she  sent 
for  Kaiuolani  and  planned  a  meeting  with  Bender,  in 
the  afternoon,  at  the  palace — not  that  she  personally 
favored  any  friendly  communication  beneath  the 
princess's  station,  or  that  she  aimed  to  flatter  him,  but 
that  his  real  worth  as  shown  by  continued  steadfast- 
ness apparently  entitled  him  to  some  little  appreciative 
and  pleasing  recognition. 

The  day  shone  bright, — as  is  usual  in  that  climate 
at  wintertide, — the  flowers  shed  a  pleasing  fragrance, 
and  the  birds  sang  sweetly  in  the  tree  tops.  All  nature 
did  her  part  to  bless  earth  and  point  the  way:  only 
man's  ingratitude  fanned  the  flame  of  ruthless  dis- 
content. Out  of  each  crannied  nook  stole  the  self- 
same voice,  speaking  its  never  ending  melody,  only  to 
vibrate  faintly  against  the  discordant  notes  of  am- 
bition's deafening  clamor.  A  nation  lay  close  to  the 
smoldering  forge  of  human  endeavor,  and  in  the  heat 
that  welds  the  tempering  iron  Xane  Bender  mounted 
his  best  horse  and  rode  confidently  toward  the  goal 
of  a  far-fetched  desire. 

There,  in  the  light  of  dawning  reality,  a  new  world 
burst  into  view ;  the  fruit  of  timeless  struggle  revealed 
the  secret  of  true  accomplishment;  he  had  not  fairly 


KAIUOLANI  61 

won  the  right  to  indulge,  and  a  stolen  morsel  seemed 
the  more  bitter  for  its  taking.  His  eyes  feasted  upon 
the  wholesome  scene;  then,  by  the  force  of  resistless 
chance,  the  mind  wandered  afar  to  the  source  whence 
soul  had  sprung. 

Outside,  beneath  the  hard  level  of  tried  conscience, 
there  arose  a  sickening  wail :  calling,  begging,  grovel- 
ling for  that  which  they  knew  not;  the  spark  of 
enlightenment  lured  them  yet  its  warmth  seemed  a 
thing  infinite.  The  queen  held  the  key  to  salvation, 
marked  the  course  of  flight,  made  the  need  for  refuge, 
inspired  the  will — should  she  survive?  would  truth 
bridge  the  chasm,  shelter  the  fold,  ordain  the  right? 
A  few  there  were  who  had  lost  a  bearing  or  crazed  at 
the  prospect;  the  drones,  no  longer  useful,  were  cast 
out;  but  the  living,  active,  faithful  body  politic  fol- 
lowed their  leader  and  shared  her  destiny. 

All  interest  bordered  upon  a  single  thought — the 
promulgation  of  the  constitution.  The  people,  by  their 
representatives  assembled,  had  granted  the  privilege; 
her  majesty's  sanction  resolved  the  verdict;  on  the 
cabinet's  support  rested  her  final  prerogative — would 
the  queen  ultimately  proclaim  the  law? 

As  yet,  since  the  days  of  Lunalilo,  no  foreign  gov- 
ernment had  brought  its  influence  directly  to  bear  upon 
the  shaping  of  their  national  policy,  and  now  that  the 
queen  proposed  to  exercise  a  test  rite,  all  hastened  in 
good  faith,  except  one,  to  participate  in  the  ceremony. 
Elmsford,  through  his  own  strenuous  efforts,  had  been 
specially  delegated  as  an  honorary  member  of  the 
British  diplomatic  representation,  and  in  his  exultation 
called  immediately  at  the  castle,  particularly  to  impress 
Sir  Charles  with  the  importance  of  his  station,  and 


62  KAIUOLANI 

incidentally  to  meet  and  curry  favor  with  his  daughter, 
before  others  of  greater  moment  had  dared  embrace 
the  opportunity.  Thus  he  chanced  to  be  present  when 
the  request  came  for  Kaiuolani  to  appear  at  court, 
and  out  of  courtesy  was  asked  to  accompany  her 
thither  on  horseback,  as  the  princess  chose. 

Once  at  their  destination  the  overzealous  gentle- 
man of  leisure  suffered  a  severe  setback,  and  except 
for  Ihoas  might  have  gone  away  disgusted  with  him- 
self and  doubtful  of  the  queen's  sanity.  That  her 
majesty  could  tolerate  the  presence  of  an  unlettered 
man  like  Bender,  much  less  throw  a  princess  at  his 
feet,  was  more  than  he  could  comprehend ;  politics 
formed  no  part  of  his  moral,  and  surfeited  as  he  was 
the  shabby  Englishman  colored  noticeably  at  the  recep- 
tion accorded  him. 

Liliuokolani  gave  her  company  the  liberty  to  in- 
voke its  own  proper  agreement,  and  went  about  order- 
ing the  intended  grand  ceremony;  she  sincerely  ap- 
preciated the  big  Britisher's  haughtily  proffered  as- 
surances, and  believed  her  niece  quite  capable  of  do- 
ing properly  in  the  pacification  of  Bender's  awkward 
conceit. 

Knowing  her  strength  and  divining  Bender's  weak- 
ness Kaiuolani  won  an  easy  victory,  while  Ihoas 
labored  hard  to  save  the  day;  yet  in  the  course  of  a 
short  if  studied  conversation  with  the  unsympathetic 
Elmsford  she  unconsciously  elicited  an  inspiration  that 
should  presently  save  a  positive,  humiliating  termina- 
tion to  a  very  unexpected  and  persuasive  disaster. 
They  were  sitting  at  one  side,  in  a  cosy  corner,  when 
suddenly  Ihoas,  for  want  of  a  stronger  incentive, 
said,  adroitly: 


KAIUOLANI  63 

"Americans  are  really  interesting — don't  you  think 
so,  Mr.  Elmsford?" 

"They  are  a  gigantic  bore — at  least  all  that  it  has 
been  my  misfortune  to  encounter,"  growled  he,  roused 
to  the  pitch  of  resentment. 

"They  are  truly  persistent,"  continued  the  princess, 
affecting  a  partial  concurrence. 

"They  are  tiresome,  with  the  instinct  of  a  swine: 
that  is  more  his  like,"  replied  Elmsford,  hotly. 

"And  usually  gets  what  he  goes  after,"  ventured 
Jhoas,  cautiously. 

"He'll  get  these  islands,  if  somebody  doesn't  crack 
his  snout,"  retorted  he;  continuing,  "there  is  one 
spot,  however,  he'll  let  alone:  Diamond  Head  is  safe 
from  intrusion." 

"How  so  ?"  queried  Ihoas,  with  rising  interest. 

"There  is  a  flag  there,  and  a  pole  from  which  to 
swing  it:  I  rather  think  they'll  stop  outside,"  replied 
the  dull  Britisher,  petulantly,  the  while  his  ponderous 
intellect  vainly  grappled  the  dawning  possibility  of 
a  hated  rival's  breaking  down  its  historic  barrier  to 
reach  forth  into  the  world  of  empire. 

Ihoas  opened  wide  her  eyes;  she  loved  the  big, 
hearty  fellow  with  true  complacency ;  she  believed  his 
lowly  words  inspired  with  the  force  of  certainty — 
had  she  known  better  the  trend  of  his  nativity  she 
might  easily  have  won  also  his  heart,  but  alas !  the 
confiding  princess  shared  only  the  conviction  that 
enthralls,  leaves  man  to  lead  and  slash  the  way.  She 
lingered  on  in  the  throes  of  vain  reality  conjuring  the 
sweets  of  a  dazzling  expectancy,  he  resolving  the  scope 
of  a  colder,  crueler  inevitableness. 

Kaiuolani   and   her   company   after   a   little   sallied 


64  KAIUOLANI 

forth  on  horseback,  and  riding  briskly  against  the 
stiffening  breeze  presented  a  timely  contrast — she 
sitting  on  her  horse  in  the  grace  and  dignity  of  a 
native  Hawaiian,  he  stooped  and  agile,  disdaining  the 
least  attention,  clung  to  his- shaggy  beast  with  the  care- 
less abandon  of  a  frenzied  cowboy. 

In  the  city  below,  Floyd  Young  had  received 
orders  from  Aokahameha  to  report  at  the  armory; 
and  taken  unawares,  the  doubtful  colonel,  after  a 
hasty  consultation  with  Gutenborj,  sprang  into  the 
saddle  and  hurried  away  in  civilian's  clothes  toward 
the  place  appointed. 

No  sooner  than  he  had  escaped  the  latter's  influ- 
ence, however,  his  ardor  cooled  perceptibly,  and  with- 
out designing  to  falter  in  his  purpose  he  began  seri- 
ously to  contemplate  the  rare  possibilities  before  him. 
There  could  be  no  less  a  confidence  on  his  part  in  the 
queen's  policies,  but  was  her  organization  sufficient? 
and  the  discipline  perfect?  The  farther  the  progress 
the  less  haste,  and  before  reaching  the  armory  he 
had  changed  his  course,  riding  directly  out  the  avenue 
leading  past  the  palace  to  the  seashore  beyond. 

Putting  the  spurs  to  his  horse  a  growing  inspira- 
tion quickened  the  dawning  contemplation  till  sud- 
denly coming  upon  Kaiuolani  and  Bender — riding 
abreast — his  wit  faltered,  and  wheeling  in  the  saddle 
he  fetched  up  motionless  in  the  dumb  brute's  tracks. 
In  passing  she  had  barely  recognized  him:  sitting 
erect,  the  breeze  freshening  the  glow  in  her  cheeks,  the 
haughty  princess  bowed  stiffly  and  passed  on  without 
even  a  conscious  glance. 

Young  urged  his  horse  forward  and  ran  for  a 
short  distance  after  them,  but  they  did  not  heed  his 


KAIUOLANI  65 

coming — only  galloped  away  the  faster ;  whereat  morti- 
fication cruelly  possessed  him,  and  reigning  in  he  sud- 
denly changed  his  course  and  rode'  gloomily  toward 
the  palace. 

That  they  were  bordering  upon  a  crisis  the  really 
conservative  must  concede,  so  Young — no  less  than 
the  queen,  realizing  the  danger  of  any  serious  mis- 
understanding, and,  as  well,  feeling  the  necessity  for 
harmonious  action — decided  upon  the  spur  of  the 
moment  to  consult  a  higher  authority  than  the  one 
who  had  issued  the  order  that  carried  him  thither, 
conjuring  the  while  some  huge,  approaching  blunder. 
Kaiuolani's  unseemly  recognition  disturbed  him,  and 
he  quickly  resolved  not  only  to  learn  the  cause  of 
her  treatment  but  to  exact  if  possible  its  true  rela- 
tion to  Aokahameha's  command.  Liliuokolani  received 
him  with  gracious  candor,  while  her  expressions  of 
confidence  shamed  him  out  of  an  opportunity  and  the 
sacredness  of  his  trust  overawed  a  weak  determina- 
tion. With  being  politely  informed  that  there  was 
no  change  of  purpose  at  court  and  that  the  ceremony 
would  take  place  on  the  morrow  at  twelve  o'clock, 
Young  went  his  way,  satisfied  that  the  queen's  sin- 
cerity if  not  her  position  warranted  a  speedy  pro- 
mulgation of  the  constitution. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  assembling  of  the  patriots  began  early  the 
next  morning,  and  never  before  in  the  history  of 
Hawaii  had  they  witnessed  such  an  outburst  of  gen- 
uine sympathy.  A  thousand  troops  were  massed  at  the 
armory  for  distribution  throughout  the  city  in  the 
maintenance  of  order  or  to  march  in  unison  with  the 
forthgoing  procession. 

The  day  seldom  dawned,  even  there,  in  such 
grandeur,  and  long  before  the  appointed  hour  of 
advance  the  streets  had  lined  up  with  gaily  clad  chil- 
dren and  happy,  contented  mothers  and  fathers.  Their 
queen  should  that  day  restore  the  law  that  gave  them 
social  being,  and  not  a  true  voice  or  worthy  subject 
deigned  venture  a  protest. 

The  line  began  to  form,  and  far  down  the  clean- 
swept  streets  or  back  upon  the  palm-sheltered  byways 
clattering  hoofs  and  tramping  feet  foretold  the  readi- 
ness with  which  a  loyal  people  responded  to  a  ruler's 
just  and  virtuous  call.  Civic  orders  turned  out  in 
uniform  and  bands  played  national  anthems;  soldiers 
stood  guard,  while  the  populace  went  wild  with  enthu- 
siasm. At  last,  when  it  seemed  none  remained  to  do 
further  honor,  Kaiuolani  rode  into  view  at  the  head  of 
a  hundred  mounted,  royal  daughters. 

A  shout  went  up,  at  the  sight  of  their  chosen 
princess,  that  must  have  convinced  the  last  doubting 
Royalist,  if  such  there  was,  and  driven  terror  into 


KAIUOLANI  67 

the  hearts  of  conniving  Progressionists  who  skulked  in 
the  background  or  schemed  in  dark,  significant  places 
elsewhere  about.  With  Kaiuolani  in  the  lead  the  gaily 
mounted  women  galloped  down  the  line, — their  scarlet 
habits  falling  in  graceful  folds  on  either  side:  the 
crowns  of  leis  foretelling  a  sworn  allegiance, — and 
circling  the  farthest  ranks  returned  to  salute  the  com- 
manding general  and  receive  instructions  for  the  day. 

"We,  sir,  are  the  Royal  Daughters,  and  in  our 
humble  way  would  do  honor  to  the  queen  and  serve 
faithfully  our  country.  Command  us,"  demanded 
Kaiuolani,  in  a  clear,  ringing  voice. 

"Your  position  is  at  the  front;  please  do  me  the 
honor  to  lead,"  replied  Aokahameha,  duly  recogniz- 
ing her  superior  rank. 

"Attention,  platoons — into  right  and  left  columns, 
on  either  side  the  parchment  bearers — forward, 
march !"  rang  out  upon  the  still,  vibrant  air,  to  echo 
and  reecho  in  the  hearts  of  all,  from  saint  to  sinner 
and  palace  to  plantation,  as  the  brave  princess  rose  in 
her  stirrups  and  shouted  the  command. 

The  constitution,  carefully  draughted  in  vellum, 
rolled,  and  wrapped  round  with  yellow  and  gold  cord, 
awaiting  only  the  signature  of  the  queen  and  the  en- 
dorsement of  the  cabinet  to  make  it  the  supreme  law 
of  the  land  and  final  arbiter  of  their  peace  and  well- 
fare,  lying  exposed  to  view,  on  the  quaintly  embossed 
bearing  tray,  suspended  from  the  neck  of  a  past  grand 
dignitary  and  guarded  by  a  stalwart  guide  at  either 
side,  was  carried  proudly  in  front.  Led  by  the  Royal 
Hawaiian  Band,  the  Hawaiian  League,  an  organized 
society  of  Royalists  and  Patriots,  escorted  by  the 
Royal  Daughters,  constituted  the  first  and  honorary 


68  KAIUOLANI 

division  of  the  parade,  while  the  troops  followed, 
with  the  various  organizations  coming  next  in  order; 
and  a  vast  retinue  of  private  citizens  and  high  dig- 
nitaries, many  thousand  in  number,  afoot,  on  horse- 
back, and  in  carriages,  bringing  up  the  rear. 

It  was  a  joyous  day  for  the  multitude,  whose  memory 
went  back  to  the  heroic  feats  of  a  rapidly  fading  past — 
when  laws  were  enacted  and  government  maintained 
at  the  expense  of  the  strong  and  in  behalf  of  the 
weak,  bringing  light  and  hope  to  the  door  of  faith 
and  endeavor.  They  believed  in  themselves,  in  their 
country,  and  in  their  God — who  might  there  be  to 
envy,  to  covet  the  occasion  upon  which  a  nation's 
invincible  necessities  should  be  peaceably  determined? 

The  old  spirit  revived — and  why  should  it  not? 
They  had  fought  and  died  for  those  necessary  lands, 
suffered  the  pangs  of  childbirth  to  do  God's  will, 
worked  out  a  happy  interpretation  of  His  laws,  and 
were  justly  and  commendably  entitled  to  call  upon 
the  last  right  of  mortal  defense.  They  did  breathe  of 
the  same  temper  that  has  from  time  unto  eternity 
preserved  the  moral  of  human  energy,  and  the  sneers 
of  sneaking  barterers  can  but  intensify  the  virtue  of 
a  last  heroic  stand.  There  was  no  trickery  in  their 
methods,  no  stealing  behind  stolen  doors  to  undo  the 
work  of  ages,  sow  the  seed  of  discontent,  and  reap 
the  reward  of  iniquity.  They  were  simple-minded  and 
pure  of  heart,  and  the  world  bows  only  to  righteous 
accomplishment.  Some  day  the  noble  deeds  of  fallen 
Christs  will  be  sung  over  the  forgotten  graves  of 
lust-ridden  giants,  whose  bones  shall  lie  void  in  the 
hollow  space  of  everlasting  nothingness,  and  then, 
perhaps,  and  then  only,  the  purpose  of  Kaiuolani  shall 


KAIUOLANI  69 

have  wrought  fully  its  inevitable  good  upon  the  tried 
and  trusted  destinies  of  humankind. 

The  word  given,  the  long  procession  moved  toward 
the  palace.  A  thousand  thousand  huzzas  broke  harshly 
upon  the  listening  ears  of  a  dismal  few.  "Long  live 
the  queen,"  rang  significantly  throughout  the  land.  No 
man  could  have  questioned  that  outpouring :  the  secret 
of  their  doom  lay  hidden  in  the  dark  recesses  of  a 
distorted  and  withered  conscience ;  Xane  Bender  knew 
the  consequence,  and  little  heed  was  paid  to  an  un- 
organized, however  wholesome  enthusiasm. 

The  idols  of  respectability  entered  as  lightly  into  the 
composition  of  his  morality  as  do  the  ethics  of  re- 
ligion sway  an  abandoned  imagination.  The  stern 
realities  of  the  day  fixed  the  limit  of  life's  usefulness, 
made  progress  subservient  to  delectableness,  divorced 
right  from  justice,  and  chained  man  to  the  hard-driven 
stake  of  self-willed  attainment.  The  means  justified 
the  end,  and  all  the  suffering  of  creation  outside  the 
sphere  of  his  own  little  entity  must  not  disturb  a 
scheme  of  self-aggrandisement  however  faint  the 
voice  of  concordance.  The  lion  gave  no  quarter,  the 
shark  devoured  its  kind,  the  falcon  pursued  its  prey — 
why  should  he  not  succeed,  even  at  the  cost  of  Kaiuo- 
lani's  sorrow  ?  Only  the  crude  wild  answered :  the 
star  of  ideality  lay  hidden  behind  the  veil  of  his  dull 
consciousness. 

Down  in  the  city,  well  removed  from  public  notice, 
a  clique  of  hirelings  and  associate  schemers  played 
hard  and  fast  at  the  game  he  had  fostered.  Their 
hearts  were  set  upon  success — success  at  any  cost,  and 
with  ears  deaf  to  reason  Martha  Norton  conjured  in 


70  KAIUOLANI 

the  immediate  downfall  of  Young  her  own  speedy  at- 
tainment and  his  ultimate  rise  to  power. 

"I  will  pay  the  price,"  said  she,  finally  parting  with 
Bender,  under  the  stress  of  forced  confidence. 

"Then  you  have  my  best  wishes,  and — support," 
replied  he,  confident  of  his  own  success. 

Kaiuolani  must  be  gotten  out  of  the  way, — that  her 
sudden  change  in  bearing  could  but  deepen  interest 
already  aroused,  Norton  felt  with  a  bitter  heart;  that 
Young  loved  the  princess  beyond  hope,  she  believed 
to  an  extent  bordering  upon  madness;  that  her  own 
rise  to  place  and  preferment  depended  upon  gaining 
his  favor,  there  could  be  no  question ;  she  had  set 
her  mind  upon  marrying  the  colonel  and  in  despera- 
tion turned  her  back  upon  decency  and  her  face 
toward  the  only  expedient  within  the  scope  of  a  crude 
comprehension, — Bender's  marriage  to  the  princess 
would  rid  her  of  an  intolerable  foe,  and  when  the 
smoke  of  battle  had  cleared  away  she  herself  could 
turn  her  intended's  defeat  into  certain  victory :  she 
held  the  power  within  her  own  secret  grasp. 

Aokahameha  rode  along,  proudly  leading  the  guards ; 
there  was  no  one's  love  to  swerve  him  from  the 
bounden  duty  of  a  trusted  patriot.  His  respect  for 
Kaiuolani  had  risen  to  the  height  of  admiration,  but 
his  heart  remained  at  the  palace — was  the  prize  of 
one  who  cherished  his  coming,  but  centered  her  hope 
in  a  man  whom  fortune  alone  had  raised  to  a  seat 
in  Sir  Charles's  carriage.  Ihoas  looked  yearningly 
out  at  the  window  and,  when  the  certainty  of  his 
apparent  preferment  had  dawned,  jealousy  stole  deep 
into  her  heart;  Elmsford  seemed  beyond  her  reach, 
enthused  with  but  a  single  thought. 


KAIUOLANI  71 

Though  a  multitude  of  obstacles  stood  in  the  way 
of  final  realization,  each  measured  the  scope  of  his 
prospect  by  the  yardstick  of  self-proportioned  desire. 
The  lovers  were  all  bent,  individually,  upon  attain- 
ing but  one  particular  end.  A  certain  inevitable  force 
of  circumstances  controlled  the  limit  of  personal 
security, — merging  the  lesser  accomplishment  with  a 
greater  whole, — and  in  the  face  of  distrustful  motives, 
bordering  on  frenzied  action,  older  heads  looked  for- 
ward to  an  outcome  born  only  of  tried  and  true  con- 
viction. 

An  apparently  endless  concourse  of  supporters — 
some  shouting,  others  deliberating — moved  upon  the 
palace.  They  carried  in  front  the  cherished  instru- 
ment, that  should  soon  release  them  from  attempted 
oppression,  resolve  their  liberties,  and  guarantee  an  un- 
disturbed autonomy.  Liliuokolani  looked  down  with 
deep  compassion  upon  the  hopeful  sea  of  happy  faces 
below,  and  turning  to  the  exalted  personages,  of  many 
nations  and  various  stations,  who  thronged  the  room  in 
which  she  stood,  expressed  sincerely  and  heartily  her 
appreciation  of  the  respect  and  consideration  shown. 
Was  it  half  doubt  that  moved  her,  half  appeal  she 
sorely  made?  A  cloud  hung  heavy  upon  her  brow, 
and  she  may  have  then  foreseen  the  terrible  storm 
that  should  presently  rend  the  foundation  of  her 
throne. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

The  intrigue  in  reality  began  with  Bender's  rise 
to  prominence,  though  long  before  that  the  elements 
out  of  which  it  finally  grew  and  at  last  so  rapidly 
assumed  form  had  taken  root  and  thrived  to  a  greater 
or  less  extent,  as  the  exigencies  of  the  times,  with- 
out any  definite  leadership,  seemed  to  warrant.  From 
the  day  the  first  missionary  set  foot  in  the  Islands 
discontent  began  and  did  not  cease,  except  at  forced 
intervals,  until  the  greed  of  attending  interlopers  had 
swept  the  whole  country  into  a  holocaust  of  fierce 
disturbance. 

Lunalilo  had  been  the  first  of  the  reigning  mon- 
archs  to  let  down  effectively  the  bars  to  an  onrush  of 
pretending  capitalists  and  shady  politicians.  In  fact 
his  accession  to  the  throne  was  due  entirely  to  foreign 
influence,  and  in  consideration  of  the  favor  shown 
to  him  personally  he  undertook  forthwith  to  conserve 
as  complaisantly  as  possible  the  unreasonable  demands 
of  an  immediate  benefaction. 

Interests  were  thus  created  and  property  rights 
granted  out  of  all  proportion  to  their  simple  mode  of 
living  and  contrary  to  the  established  laws  of  the 
land.  Nor  was  this  beginning  to  be  an  end  of  it ;  the 
adventurous  foreigner  and  uncouth  settler  once  estab- 
lished in  the  enjoyment  of  a  luxury  illy  adapted  to  his 
use,  wholly  unthought-of  in  the  land  whence  he  came, 


KAIUOLANI  73 

began  to  look  upon  his  suddenly  puffed-up  host  as  a 
gracious  fool,  and  the  differently  constituted  people 
as  inferiors  and  rightful  subjects  of  plunder.  The 
moral  influence  of  a  society  and  the  unsophisticated 
rules  of  a  government  founded  upon  self-denial — 
aimed  only  at  emulating  the  cardinal  virtues  and  re- 
lieved inherently  from  the  necessity  of  combating 
with  human  depravity — proved  totally  inadequate  to 
meet  the  exigencies  of  a  new  and  strange  order,  not 
at  all  welcomed  and  still  less  understood. 

The  respective  home  governments  of  these  lust- 
endowed  fortune  seekers  were  too  far  removed  and 
too  little  concerned  to  reach  out  and  thwart  the  im- 
moral purposes  of  well-rid  absconclers  or  to  interfere 
with  the  domestic  affairs  of  an  insignificant  nation, 
however  virtuous  the  people,  or  helpless  their  rulers 
might  prove  to  be.  There  was  no  restraint ;  and  once 
the  arrogant  newcomer  secured  a  firm  hold  upon  prop- 
erty interests,  both  government  and  sentiment  were 
unable  to  restrain  his  gradual  absorption  of  the  peo- 
ple's rights. 

In  generosity  they  bade  the  foreigner  welcome; 
through  ignorance  of  his  social  tendencies  they  per- 
mitted him  to  share  their  country's  productiveness; 
with  justice  they  undertook  the  hopeless  task  of  har- 
monizing the  good  and  the  evil ;  not  until  danger  had 
irrevocably  fastened  itself  upon  them  did  they  seek 
to  find  an  effective  remedy;  and  then,  in  desperation 
they  sent  their  sons  and  daughters  broadcast  to  the 
source  of  other  nationalities  to  discover  the  means 
with  which  to  restitute  a  tottering  civilization. 

Thus  Kaiuolani,  a  princess  of  the  blood,  sacrificed 
by  birth  to  the  dangers  of  an  impossible  assimila- 


74  KAIUOLANI 

tion,  was  in  her  tender  years  sent  away  to  gain  an 
education  and  encourage  a  relation  that  was  hoped 
should  adapt  her  to  the  necessities  of  a  complicated 
but  unalterable  situation.  Lord  and  Lady  Xenoav, 
from  philanthropic  motives  and  associate  memories, 
had  taken  her  up  and  from  childhood  bestowed  the 
best  that  castle  Bairdsraith  and  European  institutions 
could  afford.  They  were  old  acquaintances  of  Sir 
Charles,  her  father, — who  being  of  a  roving,  retiring 
disposition  had  at  an  early  period  in  life  wandered 
from  home  and  Scotland  to  settle  in  these  health-giv- 
ing, peace-inviting  islands  of  the  far-away  Pacific, — 
and  no  sooner  had  the  dark,  bewitching  daughter  of 
the  West  fallen  to  their  care  than  they  learned  to  love 
her  and  began  to  guard  her  nurture  with  the  fond- 
ness of  a  natural  parentage;  and  when  the  greater 
portion  of  her  early  life  had  been  spent  there,  in  Eng- 
land, as  a  member  of  their  household  and  the  time 
had  come  for  a  returning  to  her  native  land,  Lord 
Xenoav  would  not  trust  her  going  to  the  guidance  of 
any  except  himself  and  his  lordship's  lady  helpmeet. 
The  long  and  tedious  journey  was  finally  undertaken 
in  Kaiuolani's  behalf,  and  from  the  courtesy  extended 
and  the  accomplishments  attained  the  returning 
daughter  of  a  tottering  kingdom  became  the  idolized 
of  many  suitors  and  a  fatal  object  of  envy  in  the  eyes 
of  jealous  rivals. 

Upon  the  young  princess's  arrival  at  Honolulu  a 
splendid  reception  was  tendered  to  her  and  her  spon- 
sors by  no  less  a  personage  than  Hans  Gutenborj, 
the  planter  king,  who  had  then  come,  through  long, 
continuous  endeavor,  to  be  regarded  the  most  sub- 
stantial foreign  resident  there,  if  not  the  most  level- 


KAIUOLANI  75 

headed  supporter  of  law  and  order  in  the  land.  His 
vast  estate  at  Kahilui  on  the  island  of  Maui,  was 
for  the  occasion  converted  into  a  veritable  land  of 
delights,  and  without  a  conscious  design  Kaiuolani 
gracefully  bore  the  distinction  and  Floyd  Young 
naturally  became  her  choice  of  gallants. 

Four  large  ships  of  the  sugar  king's  own  fleet  had 
been  drawn  into  service  to  carry  the  invited  guests 
thither,  and  the  queen  in  honor  bade  them  good- 
speed.  The  princess  Like-Like,  a  charming  lady  and 
member  of  the  then  reigning  family,  the  wife  of  Sir 
Charles  and  mother  of  Kaiuolani,  chaperoned  her 
daughter,  and  many  of  the  dignitaries,  including  mem- 
bers of  both  royal  families,  the  ascendant  Mauas  and 
the  dethroned  Kamehamehas,  assisted  their  host  and 
hostess  in  receiving  the  guests;  who,  landing  at  the 
long  wharf  in  Kahilui,  drove  thence  through  broad 
palm-set  and  lantern-lighted  avenues  to  the  low, 
rambling  bungalo  on  the  hillside  at  the  plantation. 

Among  them  were  descendants  of  a  once  proud  line 
of  rulers ;  wives  or  widows  and  sisters  and  brothers 
of  deceased  or  dethroned  monarchs ;  members  of  a 
successfully  progressive  reigning  family ;  the  flower  of 
royalty  and  the  best  of  society;  merchant  princes  and 
leading  statesmen,  foreign  residents  and  native  citi- 
zens alike  were  there;  the  buoyant  and  the  downcast, 
the  hopeful  and  the  disheartened,  the  worthy  and  the 
unworthy — all  joined  heartily  or  sullenly  in  the  gor- 
geous splendor  that  overwhelmed  the  confident  or 
aroused  feelings  of  jealousy,  hatred  and  discontent 
in  the  minds  and  hearts  of  the  disconsolate. 

Not  alone  were  these  heart-burnings  or  joyous  sen- 
timents confined  to  those  who  danced  and  dared, 


76  KAIUOLANI 

but  out  in  the  fields,  back  in  the  kitchens,  or  liveried 
at  the  doorstep  labored  a  larger  throng,  whose  hearts 
and  heads  were  set  upon  relations  that  conjured 
deeper  emotions.  Some  had  found  their  level  in  the 
wake  of  subsistence  by  the  hard  grind  of  ruthless  fate, 
through  cunning  and  neglect,  misfortune  or  careless- 
ness; others  were  the  product  of  new  conditions,  glad 
for  the  privilege  of  serving,  cast  thither  with  the 
timely  trend  of  progress,  or  risen  from  hope  to  reality 
by  the  forging  chain  of  consequence.  Indomitable, 
overpowering  circumstance  opened  wide  the  floodgates 
of  opportunity,  and  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest 
they  waged  triumphant  their  sphere. 

All  these  contending  elements  had  been  drawn  to- 
gether and  placed  in  juxtaposition  at  an  auspicious 
moment,  and  under  the  most  favorable  circumstances, 
for  the  most  part  to  harmonize  the  several  contending 
factions  in  national  affairs  and  material  interests. 
How  well  the  promoters  could  be  expected  to  suc- 
ceed might  have  been  inferred  from  the  queen's 
respectfully  declining  personally  to  encourage  the 
party  (upon  the  ground  of  indisposition),  permitting 
the  high  chamberlain  to  exemplify  in  his  person  her 
majesty's  best  wishes. 

Liliuokolani,  however,  occupied  a  position  that  com- 
pelled her  to  submit  rather  than  dictate  in  matters 
of  discretion,  partially  sustaining  her  dignity  by 
executing  the  law  as  she  found  it ;  not,  possibly,  as  she 
may  have  willed.  This  determination  on  her  part 
to  abide  the  just  performances  of  her  bounden  duty 
had  been  the  cornerstone  of  Gutenborj  and  his  allies' 
confidence  in  her  ability  to  rule.  It  became  an  eye- 
sore in  the  estimation  of  glumpy  Kamehamehas,  and 


KAIUOLANI  77 

they  would  rather  she  failed  than  a  Maua  preserve 
their  crumbling  hold  upon  respectability.  The  queen's 
plans  proved  too  slow  of  materialization  to  suit  the 
rabid  under-element,  and  whichever  way  she  turned, 
as  prompted  by  self's  own  heart-will,  a  dark,  ill- 
shaped  mistrust  loomed  before  her,  foreshadowed  the 
dangers  that  surrounded  them. 

The  gathering  at  Kaiuolani's  reception  bore  its  cer- 
tain fruit,  and  the  hybrid  germs  clandestinely  hatch- 
ing beneath  the  scaly  fungus  quickly  spread  through- 
out the  empire.  David  Kenlikola  Ralph,  a  resident 
prince  of  Kanai,  the  father  of  Ihoas,  and  a  staunch 
believer  in  the  divine  right  of  the  Kamehamehas,  had 
embraced  the  very  good  opportunity  to  revive 
memories  and  exchange  ideas  with  his  old-time  friend 
and  confidant,  Pauahieu  Arnstook,  the  once  powerful 
Lanaiu  leader,  whose  fortunes  had  dwindled  to  noth- 
ing more  than  a  substantial  post  at  the  royal  boards. 
They  brooded  between  them  their  loss, — the  one  a 
fallen  prestige,  the  other  his  wasted  estates, — and  be- 
fore parting  there  had  been  sworn  inviolable  a  secret 
pledge  that  afterwards  served  well  the  purposes  of  a 
less  scrupulous  compact. 

Bender,  alert  and  ambitious,  had  observed  from  a 
retiring  situation  the  heterogeneous  proclivities  of  an 
unorganized,  distrustful  following,  and  from  the  many 
discordant  voices  there  discerned  selected  the  few  that 
should  do  him  service  in  the  carrying  forward  of  a 
daring  venture.  Prince  Kenlikola,  with  his  estates 
spread  over  limitless  plains,  had  been  from  birth 
trained  and  allied  to  the  undercurrent:  the  masses 
were  at  his  beck  and  call,  and  his  sympathies  found 
vent  through  the  channels  of  a  natural,  if  unexalted 


78  KAIUOLANI 

association;  the  sheep  herders  of  Kanai  were  his 
friends,  and  it  required  no  great  stretch  of  affiliation  to 
cultivate  a  fast  and  true  liking  for  the  cattle  ranger 
of  Kaiahiua  and  a  lasting  coalition  of  the  rough  and 
ready  shouters  at  the  disposition  of  either.  The  jeal- 
ous northerner  cemented  the  bond  of  union,  the 
scheming  southerner  afforded  a  ready  leadership. 

The  Progressionists  were  but  the  instruments  of  the 
latter's  bounty;  he  had  subsidized  them,  armed  the 
force,  augmented  their  ranks — why  not  use  them? 

Such  proved  to  be  the  philosophy  of  a  man  who 
aimed  to  rise  to  wealth  and  power  wholly  by  the  aid 
of  conjured  wit.  He  had  with  a  single  stroke  wrested 
from  the  hands  of  a  decaying,  self-ordered  lord  of  the 
forest  all  that  made  worth  the  while  staid  Gutenborj's 
pother  about  law  and  order.  Necessity  compelled  him 
to  become  his  own  defender ;  the  strong  arm  of  gov- 
ernment seemed  but  a  mockery  and  a  cheat  in  the 
wilds  whence  he  throve.  He  may  have  been  content 
to  remain  there  alone  and  supreme  had  not  the  trend 
of  society  reached  out  to  gather  him  in,  to  make  him  a 
part  of  its  never-ending  conquest,  and  to  profit  at  the 
expense  of  universal  freedom. 

The  caldron  proved  an  easy  tempter,  but  no  sooner 
had  the  trapped  truant  been  turned  loose  amid  the  fold 
than  he  began  ravenously  to  feed  upon  the  best  forage 
at  hand.  The  captors'  threats,  the  claims  of  Young, 
and  the  prowess  of  Kaiuolani  only  served  to  whet  the 
roused  rancher's  appetite  and  before  the  powers  that 
be  could  measure  his  capacity  or  gain  a  shelter  he  had 
bid  defiance  to  restraint  and  gorged  with  wide-open 
opportunity. 


CHAPTER  X. 

The  reception  at  Kahilui  had  long  ceased  to  be  a 
subject  for  gossip  when  the  clouds  of  destruction  be- 
gan to  gather  and  settle  round  the  court  at  Honolulu. 
Lord  and  Lady  Xenoav  had  enjoyed  a  brief  vacation 
at  their  island  villa,  Diamond  Head,  and  then  returned 
to  assume  their  duties  at  home.  The  visit,  though 
ending  only  too  soon,  had  revealed  better  than  hear- 
say the  grandeur  of  the  place  and  proven  beyond  gain- 
say Kaiuolani's  more  than  worthiness. 

Their  beautiful  estate,  rising  to  the  broad  level  of 
a  high  promontory,  had  been  selected  and  bought  years 
ago  through  the  influence  of  none  other  than  Sir 
Charles  himself,  and  in  gratitude  for  its  first  enjoy- 
ment the  bonds  of  friendship  doubly  cemented. 
Kaiuolani  became  an  idol  of  mutual  concern,  and  pos- 
sibly they  saw  in  Elmsford  the  attainment  of  lasting 
reward;  this  young  aristocrat,  a  nephew  by  birth  and 
favorite  of  their  own  choosing,  had  been  sent  there 
and  placed  in  charge  at  an  early  day  in  the  hope  of 
regenerating  a  fallen  but  cherished  manhood.  At  heart 
he  remained  a  gentleman ;  by  nature  became  an  artist ; 
it  was  planned  that  the  influence  of  a  direct  responsi- 
bility should  bring  to  light  his  true  nobleness  of  char- 
acter, was  intended  to  redeem  an  erring  youth  from 
the  loathsome  possibility  of  a  wasted  usefulness. 

Kaiuolani  was  true  at  heart,  her  father  grateful  but 
sympathetic,  the  throne  not  averse  to  strengthening 


So  KAIUOLANI 

its  position :  sheer  fickleness  hovered  over  them  like  a 
moth  fluttering  to  its  doom,  and  the  force  of  circum- 
stances drove  dame  fortune  her  destined  way. 

The  dawn  of  day  had  not  yet  broken,  the  slumber- 
ing patriots  of  as  fine  a  land  as  then  kissed  the  blue 
black  skies  lay  peacefully  in  their  cots,  the  queen  may 
have  tossed  restless  with  anticipation :  a  stealthy,  con- 
fident foot,  approaching  a  dark,  latticed  house  in  the 
,noiseless  haunts  of  a  down-town  section,  paused  at 
the  side  stoop  and  looking  around  with  breathless  ex- 
pectation, rapped  once,  twice,  three  times  with  studied 
precision.  Words  were  a  dangerous  thing  now ;  only 
a  faint  repeating  within,  essayed  the  answer ;  a  bull's- 
eye  flashed  the  keyhole ;  the  door  opened  and  closed,  as 
Xane  Bender  stole  through,  accosting  his  friend  Harve- 
noiq  in  whispered  tones : 

"The  Rifles:  have  you  heard  from  them?" 

"No ;  the  mystery  only  grows  the  deeper,"  answered 
Harvenoiq,  leading  the  way  through  dark  halls  to  an 
inner,  securely  barred  chamber. 

"Then  we  must  act;  the  patriots  will  be  gathering 
before  daylight — they  are  sadly  in  earnest,"  replied 
Bender,  cold  and  relentless. 

"But  my  country?  I  cannot  betray  it!"  whispered 
the  American,  desperate  with  contemplation. 

"Never  mind  your  duty;  ambition  calls  you,  and  the 
world  shall  applaud  the  deed,"  answered  his  enticer, 
growing  firmer  in  conviction  and  stronger  of  purpose. 

The  American  diplom'at  sank  fearful  and  childlike 
upon  a  lounge  at  one  side.  Bender  followed  in  the 
dull  light  of  a  half-burned  candle.  The  two  sat  in 
silence,  the  one  meditating  possible  failure,  the  other 
contemplating  certain  victory.  The  motive  of  each 


KAIUOLANI  81 

lay  coddling  within  the  secret  preconception  of  two 
separate  and  widely  divergent  notions,  but  their 
method  centered  in  a  single  prospect  and  neither 
shrank  from  the  moral  of  its  doing ;  rather,  both  invited 
the  mood  that  baffles  sense  and  allures  man  to  where 
only  the  bewitching  voice  of  smiling  fancy  would 
dare  to  lead. 

"Is  the  plan  really  feasible,  Xane?"  queried  the 
American,  doubtful  of  his  own  senses. 

"It  is.  My  life  that  we  win,"  replied  the  crafty 
ranger,  with  characteristic  brevity. 

"On  your  oath,  you  will  serve  me  true?" 

"I  call  upon " 

"Hold !  my  friend ;  before  you  swear,  remember 
that  Whilom1  Harvenoiq  has  it  in  his  power  to  enforce 
a  penalty." 

"I  ask  no  lesser  test.  Hold  the  charge  over  me,  I 
pray;  let  it  bear  witness  to  my  faith;  but  do  not  give 
me  occasion  to  doubt  your  confidence.  Xane  Bender 
never  played  a  true  friend  false." 

"In  case  of  failure:  what  then?" 

"There  is  no  such  thing  as  failure.  Die  in  the  at- 
tempt, if  needs  be,  and  success  will  be  written  indelibly 
upon  the  only  crown  that  man  suffers  men  to  wear." 

"I  believe  you  are  right.  Why  should  I  be  bound 
by  the  laws  of  conventionality?  The  force  is  at  my 
disposal;  you  have  revealed  to  me  the  possibilities  of 
higher  endeavor,  and  I  shall  and  ought  embrace  the 
opportunity.  Give  me  your  hand,  Xane  Bender,  and 
trust  me  to  do  my  part,  and  to  do  it  well :  yours  need 
not  be  questioned." 

The  two  men  remained  there,  in  the  dull  glow  of  a 
burned-out  light,  till  the  last  detail  of  a  secret  coup 


82  KAIUOLANI 

had  been  planned  and  the  day's  requirements  loomed 
before  them.  It  was  not  long,  however,  and  when  the 
scheming  Bender  at  last  departed,  slipping  out 
through  the  back  door  and  into  the  refreshing  dark, 
a  faint  glinumer  of  early  twilight  consciously  hastened 
his  step  and  quickened  the  thought.  He  must  yet 
lay  the  groundwork  for  an  unexpected  turn,  and  withal 
keep  himself  safely  in  the  background.  The  sleepy 
natives  would  soon  be  upon  the  streets,  and  they  knew 
him  to  a  man ;  Varnum  should  be  seen,  an  organiza- 
tion devised,  and  his  own  retreat  covered ;  the  patriots 
might  directly  form  in  line  to  carry  forward  the  new 
constitution ;  time  seemed  a  precious  thing,  and  raising 
the  lapels  on  his  coat  the  hard-pressed  fellow  boldly 
walked  across  the  lower  part  of  town,  reaching  the 
banker's  door  at  barely  dawn  of  day. 

A  quick,  light  knock  brought  the  excited  Progres- 
sionist out  in  person ;  he  had  tramped  the  floor  nearly 
all  night,  and  chose  to  arise  long  before  servants 
deigned  awaken. 

"Have  you  heard  from  the  Rifles  friend  Varnum?" 
queried  Bender,  patronizingly,  as  the  former  bade  him 
enter  and  be  seated  in  the  library. 

"I  should  think  you  yourself  the  better  qualified  to 
know ;  I  am  not  so  privileged  as  even  to  presume  an 
intelligent  answer.  Come,  my  good  man,  what  have 
you  done  with  them?  I  have  dared  do  nothing  but 
walk  the  floor  since  their  departure.  It  is  a  downright 
shame  to  keep  virtuous  men  in  such  gruesome  sus- 
pense. Where  are  they?" 

"Don't  lose  your  head  about  so  trifling  a  matter ;  we 
have  need  for  a  more  serious  occupation,  just  now, 
we  have,  if  your  humble  servant  knows  himself  aright. 


KAIUOLANI  83 

Let  us  get  to  work — close  that  door,  please,  and  sit 
down  here,  at  my  side,  like  the  man  you  are." 

"Not  I,  if  you  please;  I  had  better  call  a  body 
guard.  You  have  turned  your  back  upon  everything 
that  is  dear  to  a  gentleman,  and  how  am  I  to  know 
but  you  would  snatch  me?  These  are  strenuous 
times,  my  dear  sir,  and  it  behooves  every  one  to  mind 
his  p's  and  q's." 

"That's  what  it  does,  friend  Varnum,  and  you,  your- 
self, are  the  last  to  lay  down,  if  I  mistake  not." 

"Don't  call  me  'friend';  you  and  I  have  parted 
ways;  I  am  for  annexation, — first  last  and  all  the 
time, — and  oil  and  water  don't  run  together." 

"Not  necessarily;  yet  there  are  occasions  when 
enemies  had  best  bury  their  differences,  this  is  not, 
believe  me,  an  exception  to  the  rule,  and  if  you  per- 
sist— well,  before  twelve  o'clock  has  fairly  passed,  you 
may  dance  attention  even  to  a  less  delectable  situation. 
The  Patriots  will  be  marching  upon  the  palace  and  the 
queen  shall  have  promulgated  the  constitution— 

"Sh-sh-sh !  don't ;  for  heaven's  sake,  don't  mention 
that  word  in  my  presence;  it  gives  me  the  shivers  to 
think  of  it." 

"Will  you  listen  to  me?" 

"Yes ;  let  us  bolt  the  door — the  shades  are  down." 

"There  is  going  to  be  trouble  at  the  capitol  to-day. 
Everything  points  to  a  storm,  and  nobody  is  prepared. 
There  should  be  some  sort  of  organization  gotten  to- 
gether to  manage  affairs  till  the  debris  is  cleared  and 
confidence  restored.  Who  is  better  prepared  to  effect 
such  than  you,  your  very  good  self?" 

"Do  you  make  me  out  an  ass?" 


84  KAIUOLANI 

"No;  far  from  it;  though  your  past  might  justify  a 
surmise." 

"Agitation  has  been  my  forte:  I  had  not  gone  so 
far  as  to  anticipate  the  advisability  of  action." 

"And  you  have  succeeded  so  well  that  I  have  no 
doubt  of  your  ability  to  focus  an  event." 

"I  am  agreed  as  to  the  necessity,  but  how  and 
where  am  I  to  begin  risking  my  neck?" 

"Now;  always  now.  Get  the  boys  together, — the 
Chamber  of  Commerce  is  a  convenient  place, — and 
before  nine  o'clock  have  organized  a  committee  of 
safety.  You  know  best  whom  to  trust  and  how  to  pro- 
ceed— I  will  then  manage  to  see  and  advise  you;  my 
connection — it  is  hardly  necessary  to  say — must  not 
be  known  to  another  living  soul.  Can  you  do  it?" 

"Yes." 

"Good.     My  word  as  a  bond." 

"You  can  make  undetected  your  escape  from  here? 
There  are  evil  eyes  all  about  us — you  realize  that." 

"Lend  me  a  pillow;  my  dress  is  already  prepared, 
and  this  wig  and  face  will  comlplete  the  disguise." 

"Upon  my  word,  you  might  well  be  taken  for  our 
mutual  friend,  Gutenborj.  A  happy  thought,"  said 
Varnum,  after  the  change  had  been  made  and  his  con- 
federate stood  ready  to  go. 

No  time  was  lost  in  the  adventure,  once  Bender  had 
left  the  house;  Varnum  held  himself  only  too  ready 
to  engage  in  any  undertaking  that  savored  of  oppo- 
sition to  established  rule.  He  had  fought  against 
everything  Hawaiian  so  long  that  resistance  became 
a  mania  with  him,  and  without  stopping  to  consider  the 
prospects  or  ponder  the  consequences  the  excited 


KAIUOLANI  85 

banker  plunged  headlong  into  the  fray,  trusting  luck  to 
a  favor  and  an  enemy  for  advice. 

Bender  sallied  forth,  toward  home,  fully  confident 
that  his  make-up  sufficed  to  carry  him  thither  without 
detection;  though  Varnum's  unexpected  likening  him 
to  so  prominent  a  character  left  his  mind  a  little  dis- 
turbed. It  was  early,  however,  and  none  likely  to 
be  upon  the  streets  would  hardly  accost  a  man  of 
Gutenborj's  appearance,  even  though  the  resemblance 
proved  but  partially  adequate;  and,  hurrying  along, 
an  already  overburdened  consciousness  soon  grew 
oblivious  to  any  and  all  surroundings. 

"Good-morning,"  said  a  husky  feminine  voice,  at 
the  rickety  gate  in  front  of  his  own  neglected  prem- 
ises. 

"Ah — er — good-morning,  madam,"  replied  the  recal- 
citrant fellow,  attempting  to  shield  his  voice  and  side- 
step past  the  short-skirted  individual  who  blocked  the 
entrance. 

"How  fortunate  that  we  should  meet  here,  and  at 
this  time — Mr.  Bender  isn't  at  home :  hasn't  been  the 
many  hours  that  I  watched — have  you  heard  from  the 
Rifles  ?"  queried  Miss  Norton,  with  insinuating  modu- 
lation, as  she  reached  out  and  lifted  the  mask  from 
Bender's  rigid  face. 

"D — n  you,"  retorted  he,  his  twitching  muscles 
hardening ;  "I'll  end  your  ungrateful  work,  presently." 

"We'll  see,  my  very  good  friend,"  replied  Norton, 
turning  upon  her  heel  and  walking  briskly  away. 

The  surprised  minister  of  finance  stood  stunned 
and  overwhelmed  at  the  disclosure.  Had  he  been 
tracked  ?  and  would  this  woman  yet  unearth  his  plans  ? 
The  bare  thought  of  exposure  sickened  him,  and 


86  KAIUOLANI 

dragging  himself  into  the  house  without  further 
molestation  he  quickly  changed  his  garb  and  called  for 
a  decanter. 

Norton  tramped  jauntily  along  until  she  had  come 
to  the  foot  of  a  stairs  leading  to  the  dilapidated,  helter- 
skelter  editorial  rooms  of  the  Ware  Wissard  Wise. 
The  crisp  morning  air  inspired  thoughts  transcendent 
in  life's  bitter  grind,  and  a  voice  from  nature  whis- 
pered of  the  sweets  incarnate  with  hope.  Lou  Isaacs 
was  there,  on  time,  with  the  graft  money,  as  agreed, 
and  the  cheery  editress  drank  copiously  of  the  draught 
that  inspired  courage  to  meet  and  master  one  by  one 
the  contingencies  arising  in  the  path  of  her  advance- 
ment. Young's  intentions  upon  that  important  occa- 
sion still  remained  a  blank,  even  to  Norton ;  she  had 
failed  to  batter  down  the  high  wall  that  Gutenborj 
builded  round  their  fortunes.  Her  editorials  were 
directed  against  the  one  to  no  purpose :  a  half-hearted 
eulogy  failed  to  move  the  other;  she  must  as  a  last 
resort  plead  the  privilege  of  doing  an  humble  service 
in  the  hope  of  resolving  a  means  with  which  to  cap- 
ture the  colonel  and  serve  her  own  better  fortune. 

Dismissing  Isaacs,  she  called  a  cab  and  drove  to  the 
sugar  company's  headquarters,  where  Gutenborj  him- 
self proved  to  have  been,  as  usual,  an  early  arrival. 
Without  so  much  as  announcing  her  business,  having 
learned  of  Young's  absence,  the  knowing  woman  boldly 
opened  the  door  to  the  merchant  king's  private  office 
and  without  an  apology  or  an  explanation  walked 
deliberately  in.  Bender  sprang  to  his  feet,  confront- 
ing her  with  a  wild,  threatening  look.  All  the  animal 
within  him  revolted  at  her  unexpected  appearance, 


KAIUOLANI  87 

and  had  he  had  the  courage  he  would  have  torn  her 
into  shreds.     Norton  only  smiled  and  said,  calmly : 

"You  are  quite  as  expeditious  of  foot,  Mr.  Bender, 
as  you  are  in  method;  I  hardly  expected  to  find  you 
here;  however,  it  may  prove  to  be  a  fortunate  meet- 
ing: I  trust  that  my  presence  does  not  in  the  least 
disturb  either  one  of  you.  May  I  sit,  Mr.  Gutenborj  ?" 

"I  have  no  objection,  if  it  is  your  pleasure." 

"Please  excuse  me,"  said  Bender,  angrily;  "I  am 
convinced  that  my  being  here  is  not  at  all  agreeable 
or  necessary;  this  lady  and  myself  have  nothing  at 
all  in  common,  and  when  she  has  finished  we  can,  if 
you  so  desire,  resume  our  conversation.  Good-morn- 
ing." 

The  already  overcharged  merchant's  jaws  set  with 
that  determination  so  easily  characteristic  of  his  tem- 
perament. The  daring  woman  had  insulted  him ;  he 
had  long  ago  formed  an  opinion  of  her  and  her 
methods ;  his  life  had  been  devoted  to  what  he  believed 
legitimate  and  wise, — the  building  of  private  fortune,— 
and  not  once  had  he  sought  to  exercise  any  personal 
influence  upon  government — convert  public  faith  in'to 
private  gain — except  as  stability  required  in  the  better 
preservation  of  life  and  property ;  the  woes  of  the  peo- 
ple and  the  ambitions  of  publicists  concerned  him  lit- 
tle; he  would  rid  himself  of  her. 

Norton  bided  her  time  and  when  reasonably  pos- 
sessed addressed  his  lordship  fearlessly: 

"Have  you  heard  from  the  Rifles,  Mr.  Gutenborj  ?" 

The  answer  that  he  would  have  made  failed,  and 
looking  her  squarely  in  the  face  the  big  man  flushed, 
then  grew  pale ;  suspicion  had  weakened  confidence, 
and  associating  Norton's  unreasonable  call  with  Ben- 


88  KAIUOLANI 

der's  proffered  advice  he  did  that  least  intended,  say- 
ing sarcastically: 

"Possibly  you  know  more  about  them  than  I  do?" 

"I  know  no  more  than  some  others  should  know, 
nor  would  I  seek  to  dislodge  a  privileged  truth.  Your 
attitude  is  not  convincing.  Good-morning,  Mr.  Guten- 
borj." 

Norton  arose  and  brushed  out,  leaving  Gutenborj 
puzzled  to  know  the  meaning  of  her  visit.  The 
moments  flew  by,  as  he  studied  hard  the  situation,  and 
directly  he  decided  to  send  for  Bender,  Young  came 
in,  dust-covered  and  red  in  the  face,  closing  the  door 
behind. 

"Have  you  heard  from  the  Rifles?"  asked  Guten- 
borj, with  suppressed  emotion. 

"Yes;  they  are — marching,"  replied  Young,  coldly 
candid. 


CHAPTER  XL 

''Then,"  said  Gutenborj,  "we  are  safe;  I  have  just 
been  informed  by  the  new  minister  of  finance  that 
the  queen  is  desirous  of  carrying  out  the  program  as 
laid  down  and  sanctioned  by  the  cabinet.  With  her 
willingness  and  our  equipment  it  should  be  an  easy 
matter  to  suppress  any  threatening  demonstration  of 
the  Patriots.  I  hear  they  are  developing  unexpected 
strength." 

"Only  in  numbers/'  replied  Young,  confidently ; 
"they  are  lacking " 

"In  leadership?  Perhaps.  We  should  not,  however, 
underestimate  Aokahameha.  He  is  a  fine  fellow,  and 
I  wish  the  princess  could  be  brought  to  her  senses; 
she  might  have  a  good  influence  in  settling  his  con- 
victions. The  queen  has  shown  remarkable  judg- 
ment." 

"I  think  you  mistake  me,"  interceded  the  leader  of 
the  Rifles,  the  blood  rising  cold  in  his  veins ;  "I  do 
not  mean  to  belittle  my  rival — not  in  the  least:  it  is 
in  organization  they  are  lacking." 

"Leadership  beats  organization,  every  time.  Give 
me  the  man  that  grips  his  fellows,  holds  their  confi- 
dence; such  an  one  can  smash  any  combination.  But 
why  do  you  speak  of  Aokahameha  as  a  rival?  I 
thought  our  motives  accorded,  if  not  the  method.  I 
may  not  catch  quite  the  meaning.  Please  enlighten 


90  KAIUOLANI 

"I  take  it,  Kaiuolani  is  free  to  choose." 

"Oh,  ho !  Then  the  crowning  was  not  altogether 
accidental?  My  good  assistant  is  encumbered  with 
personal  reasons  ?  I  can  already  foresee  a  clashing  of 
interests/' 

"Not  necessarily ;  I  believe  myself  equal  to  the  occa- 
sion." 

"But  love  and  business  do  not  mix.  They  are  antag- 
onistic elements." 

"That  depends  quite  upon  character,  I  promise." 

"We  shall  see,  before  the  sun  has  gone  down  this 
day,  young  man." 

"I  trust  I  may  at  least  prove  myself  worthy  of  your 
confidence." 

"I  cannot  ask  more  nor  expect  less ;  mutuality  of 
interests  must  after  all  govern  any  seasonable  under- 
taking. Go  the  limit,  my  boy,  and  Hans  Gutenborj 
will  stake  his  last  dollar  on  the  outcome." 

The  big  planter's  shaggy  eyebrows  relaxed  as  he 
arose  and  the  younger  man's  hand  forcibly  assured 
him  of  a  steadfast  purpose.  Looking  each  other  fairly 
in  the  face  they  parted,  and  no  words  could  cement 
more  firmly  the  bond  which  tied  them  securely  to- 
gether. 

Out  in  the  seething  city,  in  a  cold,  uncanny  office, 
shut  in  from  the  warmth  of  candor.  Bender  breath- 
lessly awaited  an  invitation  to  resume  his  visit  with 
Gutenborj.  Having  torn  himself  away,  at  Norton's 
coming,  only  as  a  bluff,  the  fleeting  moments  sorely 
betokened  failure.  His  contemplated  interview  must 
be  concluded,  and  lest  inadvertence  should  prevent  he 
finally  dispatched  a  messenger  to  remind  the  financial 
magnate  of  a  sorely  neglected  opportunity;  and  when 


KAIUOLANI  91 

answer  came  that  Mr.  Gutenborj  had  sooner  absented 
himself  for  the  day,  the  wily  cow-man  closed  the  door 
and  dropped  down  at  his  work-desk,  trembling  with 
fear  and  dread. 

The  possibilities  had  to  him  suddenly  shifted  from 
the  bright  and  hopeful  to  the  dark  and  shady :  Castle 
Banyan  stood  before  him  in  all  its  glory  and  signifi- 
cance, and  to  lose  now  Ead  crushed  him  cruelly. 

Presently  a  fixed  smile  lit  his  countenance,  and  tak- 
ing a  significant  letter-head  from  some  hidden  drawer 
the  hard-pressed  minister  nervously  ran  off  at  a  de- 
serted typewriter  a  short  note, — characteristic  of 
Gutenborj's  positiveness, — and  carefully  addressing  an 
envelope  to  match  began  the  task  of  copying  the  neces- 
sary signature,  in  a  manner  that  dispelled  any  doubt  as 
to  his  deliberate  intentions. 

"I  began  the  parley  in  good  faith  and  shall  conclude 
it  in  desperation.  The  American  commander  must 
be  convinced,  and  what  matter  how  we  do  so  long  as 
the  accomplishment  be  effective  ?  Let  them  come  now, 
as  they  will;  Bender  has  never  yet  failed,  and  with 
Gutenborj  closeted  at  the  queen's  stronghold,  both  the 
commander  and  the  minister  shall  surmise  an  agree- 
able rather  than  elicit  a  doubtful  verification.  Begin 
the  fray;  the  first  gun  is  trained!"  rose  half  audibly 
from  his  lips,  as  Harvenoiq  entered,  leading  at  his 
elbow  Admiral  Gordon  Uhlrix,  of  the  Flag  Ship 
Bonton. 

"You  are  in  high  spirits,  friend  Bender ;  were  it  not 
for  your  candor  one  might  think  you  in  your  cups," 
said  the  American  minister,  drawing  near,  and  intro- 
ducing the  veteran  mtariner,  whom  he  had  inveigled 
into  so  questionable  a  call. 


92  KAIUOLANI 

"I  am  elated  to  see  you  at  this  particular  time. 
Here  are  Gutenborj's  views,  reduced  to  writing.  It 
just  now  came ;  having  called  in  relation  to  the  matter, 
he  preferred  to  place  himself  on  record,  in  black  and 
white,  as  you  see,  with  the  queen's  ministry.  Read 
it,  friend  Harvenoiq,  aloud  if  you  li'ke,  and  judge  for 
yourself  the  occasion  for  my  unseemly  out-slip.  Read !" 
replied  Bender,  with  confidential  emphasis. 

Taking  the  missive  from  his  friend's  outstretched 
hand  and  reading  aloud,  each  word  inspired  an  over- 
whelming confidence.  There  appeared  no  longer  any 
doubt  about  having  a  plausible  excuse  for  the  high- 
handed undertaking  that  lay  at  the  bottom  of  his 
activity.  He  did  not  stop  to  question  the  authenticity 
of  the  document  in  hand ;  it  were  enough  that  Guten- 
borj,  the  most  powerful  agency  in  the  kingdom,  had 
sanctioned  the  contemplated  move,  and  had  he  had 
any  misgivings  he  would  not  have  inquired  for  fear 
they  had  proven  true.  For  years  he  had  remained 
shut  up  in  that  isolated  principality,  far  removed  from 
fame  and  opportunity,  and  now  that  an  occasion  had 
arisen  whereby  he  might  shake  the  shackles  of  Wash- 
ington apathy  from  his  tried  and  tired  ambition  he 
proposed  using  every  privilege  at  hand  to  startle  the 
world,  plunge  America  into  an  inextricable  position, 
and  hand  the  name  of  Harvenoiq  down  to  future  gene- 
rations as  the  daring  originator  of  a  world  wide  and 
glorious  policy. 

Bender's  aspirations  and  plans  had  served  him  well : 
they  should  be  used  only  as  a  stepping-stone  to  loftier 
ideals.  Honor  is  as  honor  sees,  and  with  the  responsi- 
bility resting  securely  upon  his  own  shoulders  the  end 
warranted  the  grasp :  he  should  strangle  an  accomplice 


KAIUOLANI  93 

to  glorify  self;  a  survival  of  the  fittest  resolved  the 
blessings  of  potential  existence,  and  conscience  sternly 
forbade  him  falter. 

Uhlrix  listened  through  with  satisfaction.  Without 
having  doubted  in  the  least  Harvenoiq's  word,  a  con- 
firmation from  such  a  source  more  than  strengthened 
his  confidence;  it  roused  feelings  of  pride — satisfac- 
tion with  his  post,  his  compatriots,  and  with  himself. 
Lavished  by  nature  with  the  wisdom  of  orderly  con- 
duct and  trained  at  Annapolis  to  believe  in  the 
sublime  virtue  of  rigorous  enforcement,  it  required 
but  a  short  stretch  of  the  confiding  admiral's  fixed 
imagination  to  conjure  the  necessity  of  a  prompt  and 
effective  service  in  the  guarding  of  the  property  and 
the  lives  of  his  country's  subjects,  wherever  or  what- 
ever they  might  chance  to  be.  Rising  from  his  seat, 
his  breast  distending  with  soldierly  pride,  the  veteran 
warrior  unconsciously  touching  the  tip  of  his  corded 
cap  responded  with  exact  emphasis : 

"The  marines  are  at  your  service,  friend  Harvenoiq : 
please  command  me." 

An  almost  too  sudden  success  overcame  the  design- 
ing minister,  who  stood  for  the  moment  battling  be- 
tween self-conceived  emulation  and  farceful  indecision. 
Now  that  he  had  become  the  master,  his  wit  wholly 
failed  him;  whereupon  Bender  rose,  and  volunteered 
the  necessary  advice. 

"Land  them  at  twelve  o'clock,  sharp,"  said  he,  with 
bolstered  assertiveness. 

"Excuse  me,  sir,"  replied  Uhlrix,  forcibly  conscious 
of  the  breech;  "I  hold  myself  subject  only  to 
America's  call.  The  minister  must  himself  direct." 

"Oh,  yes,"  stammered  Harvenoiq,  involuntarily;  "I 


94  KAIUOLANI 

was  but  studying  the  best  course  to  pursue.  Land 
them  at  the  dock,  and  we  shall  then  more  properly 
give  instructions  for  their  final  disposition." 

"Very  well,"  continued  the  admiral;  "I  shall,  ac- 
cordingly, with  your  permission,  leave  you,  going  at 
once  to  my  ship.  Bear  in  mind  the  time  and  place; 
Uhlrix  and  the  marines  shall  be  there,  on  time, 
promptly." 

Both  Harvenoiq  and  Bender  accompanied  the  re- 
tiring admiral  to  the  door,  and  at  his  departure  turned 
to  each  other,  speechless  and  uncertain.  Their  experi- 
ences in  life — the  one  weak  and  vascillating,  the  other 
strong  and  determinate — had  taught  them  that  power 
once  gained  might  surely  be  expected  to  be  used  solely 
in  accordance  with  the  trend  of  individual  desire.  The 
former  disclosed  his  over-anxiousness  by  the  twinkle 
in  his  eyes;  the  latter  reassured  himself  with  ven- 
turing to  remark : 

"You  are  the  true  born  diplomat,  Harvenoiq;  no 
other  man  in  these  islands  could  so  quickly  gain  con- 
trol of  a  nation's  destiny.  Hawaii  lies  at  your  feet." 

"A  small  credit,  thankfully  received,  Mr.  Bender," 
replied  the  pompous  fellow,  unmindful  of  an  only  too 
patent  disclosure  of  temperament. 

"You  shall  have  the  praise  you  deserve,  in  due  time 
— there  is  no  doubt  about  that,  Harvenoiq ;  we  owe 
you  in  advance  a  debt  of  gratitude,  and  on  behalf  of 
the  people  and  the  government  I  promise  you  a  just 
and  speedy  recognition.  Let  us  bend  our  energies 
toward  enforcing  opportunity,  and  trust  to  merit  for 
place.  I  mean  well,  and  I  dare  say  Harvenoiq  designs 
nothing  less.  Come,  my  good  man,  let  us  be  off  and 
content;  the  hour  is  rapidly  approaching." 


KAIUOLANI  95 

"You  do  not  understand  me,  not  at  all ;  I  had  rather 
die  mean  than  mix  with  petty  bickering.  Men  given 
to  small  affairs  can  hardly  appreciate  the  depth  of 
feeling  that  moves  a  man  like  me.  I  have  at  heart  the 
laudations  of  a  boundlessly  progressive  people,  not  the 
thanks  of  a  decadent  handful  of  petticoated  worship- 
pers. They  may  rightfully  claim  you,  but  I  shall  be 
the  idolized  of  all  America,"  fairly  shouted  the  filled- 
to-overflowing  worthy,  in  a  voice  little  intended  to  gain 
his  vainly  sudden  expectations. 

"We  shall  see,  friend  Harvenoiq.  Only  take  care 
that  you  make  no  slip  between  now  and  midday.  You 
must  know  the  effect  of  a  broken  link,  and  I  take  it 
you  will  follow  my  program,  to  the  letter.  If  you 
don't,  beware  of  the  consequences.  If  you  do,  then 
it  shall  be  meet  to  parley.  I  must  now  proceed  with 
a  better  business,  the  one  most  urgently  at  hand ;  there 
are  others  interested,  and  it  scarce  behooves  you  and 
me  to  divide  spoils  not  gained  or  to  anticipate  fame 
unearned.  Be  off,  now,  and  remember  well  the  time 
and  place,  my  good  fellow,"  said  Bender,  as  he  urged 
Harvenoiq  out,  closing  the  door  at  his  back. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Again  freed  from  interruption,  Bender  resumed  his 
seat  and  began,  nervously,  to  twist  at  his  short-cropped 
mustaches.  The  force  necessary  to  carry  out  his 
plans  had  been  effectively  provided,  and  though  read- 
ing correctly  Harvenoiq's  intentions  there  seemed  no 
need  for  worry  on  that  score;  for  he  well  knew,  as 
he  believed,  when  and  how  the  American  minister's 
personal  ambitions  must  sooner  or  later  end.  No  one 
foresaw  better  than  he  that  everybody's  bounty  from 
that  intrigue  depended  wholly  upon  his  individual 
manipulations,  and  in  the  midst  of  a  multiplicity  of 
cares  one  thing  at  a  time  were  enough  to  master ; 
therefore,  the  committee  of  safety  at  once  absorbed  his 
entire  attention. 

Would  Varnum  succeed  at  the  chamber  of  com- 
merce? If  not,  how  might  he  abridge  the  need  of 
an  organization?  Taking  from  its  pocket  the  self- 
same watch  that  had  measured  out  the  long,  vital 
moments  of  a  hard-made  career,  his  face  colored 
in  anger  and  the  dry-parched  lips  inaudibly  said : 

"Curse  disappointment!  Give  me  subterfuge  in- 
stead," and  the  undaunted  fellow  reseated  himself 
contentedly  at  the  typewriter. 

Presently  a  loud  tramping  in  the  hallway  and  hasty 
banging  of  doors  announced  the  presence  of  an  illy 
proposed  confederate ;  Varnum  had  arrived,  and  all 
the  building  must  know  his  mood;  success  with  him 


KAIUOLANI  97 

meant  enthusiasm  for  every  one,  and  in  he  bounded 
regardless  of  consequences. 

"Heavens,  man,  would  you  wake  the  dead  to  make 
known  your  secrets?"  whispered  the  impatient 
Bender,  as  he  ran  forward,  closing  and  barring  the 
door. 

Varnum  stretched  out  his  arms  time  and  again, 
vainly  attempting  to  ease  the  warmly  protesting  coat 
on  his  back,  then  burst  out,  with  pent-up  excite- 
ment: 

"We've  organized!" 

"Who  has  organized?"  gasped  Bender,  nervously 
seizing  the  winded  banker's  fidgety  hands  and  urging 
him  to  a  seat  in  a  hurried  effort  to  quell  the  excite- 
ment. 

"Wliy,  Cole  and  I.  Yes,  we've  organized:  he's 
chairman  and  I'm  secretary." 

"Cole? — Cole? — Let's  see:  you  mean  old  missionary 
Cole,  the  retired  justice  of  the  supreme  court,  don't 
you?"  queried  the  other,  a  little  in  doubt  as  to  the 
identity  of  his  newly  found  prospective  executive. 

"Exactly  so,"  continued  Varnum.  "We've  organ- 
ized, and  adjourned  subject  to  call.  There  are  three 
vacancies  on  the  board,  standing  ready  to  fill,  if 
deemed  expedient — though  two  constitute  a  quorum. 
The  salaries  were  fixed,  and  we  are,  it  is  needless  to 
advise  you,  prepared — 

"For  any  emergency,  I  trow,"  intercepted  the  sur- 
prised but  gratified  minister  of  finance. 

"Yes,  that's  it ;  no  doubtful  entanglements." 

"How  is  Cole;  you  sounded  him,  of  course?" 

"Oh  he's  all  right.     The  salary's  the  thing." 


98  KAIUOLANI 

"I've  noticed  his  run  down  appearance  since 
Gutenborj  threw  him  over/' 

"Yes;  hard  pressed  to  keep  the  family  from  want. 
They're  quite  shabby — we  can  count  on  him." 

"There.  Give  him  that,"  said  Bender,  tossing  over 
a  roll  of  bills;  "and  you,  yourself,  gaze  upon  this," 
continued  he,  proffering  a  newly  written  note  with 
Gutenborj 's  supposed  signature  attached;  "it  will  do 
your  eyes  good,  and  properly  explained  should 
materially  strengthen  Cole's  flabby  backbone.  Don't 
neglect  to  impress  our  'chairman'  with  the  fact  that 
Gutenborj  is  behind  this  business;  and,  now  then, 
you  had  best  hustle  back  to  the  chamber  of  commerce, 
collar  Cole,  and  hold  yourselves  ready  at  the  com- 
mittee room;  I  shall  advise  you  what  and  how  at  an 
opportune  time.  Go." 

With  unbounded  lust  centered  about  so  small  a 
nucleus  and  supported  with  only  a  doubtful  makeshift 
the  mind  waxed  clear  and  an  undaunted  nerve  drove 
him  to  the  verge  of  desperation.  Having  carried 
every  point  that  signified,  overcome  each  obstacle  as 
it  arose,  he  would  yet  sacrifice  manhood  to  save  a 
conflict,  to  shield  cowardice;  the  thought  of  blood- 
shed sickened  him,  and  gain  the  goal  he  must — 
Bender  knew  of  only  one  expedient. 

Kaiuolani  must  sue  for  a  respite,  and  her  hand 
seemed  not  too  great  a  price.  Her  kingdom  as  a 
dowery  should  pay  him  for  the  subtle  overthrow  of 
Liliuokolani :  the  national  guard  brought  over  to  his 
support  by  the  timely  acquiescence  of  the  princess 
must  resolve  a  salutary  ending,  even  to  Harvenoiq's 
resourceful  dreams.  The  father  must  be  made  the 
means  of  reaching  her  heart,  and  with  rising  hope 


KAIUOLANI  99 

the  conscience-hardened  victim  quietly  slipped  the 
cover  on  his  desk  and  gratefully  stole  away. 

The  stealthy  wending  of  a  deserted  street,  round 
one  side  of  the  procession  that  guilelessly  formed, 
and  a  lively,  undiscovered  jaunt  toward  Castle  Ban- 
yan, in  the  distance,  roused  fresh  determination,  and 
before  the  gate  was  reached  an  overweaning  desire 
urgently  matured  a  hastily  devised  plan.  There  re- 
mained no  question  as  to  what  he  should  demand, 
nor  how  best  to  proceed;  Sir  Charles  possessed  a 
reasoning  mind  and  felt  keenly  the  future  of  his 
daughter;  the  princess  worshipped  her  father,  and 
of  necessity  should  so  forget  herself  as  to  assume 
the  responsibility  of  any  favorable  reconciliation.  He 
would  reveal  so  much  of  the  situation  as  to  con- 
vince the  one:  the  other  must  of  her  own  volition 
grasp  the  possibilities  of  an  effective  alliance.  He 
alone  held  the  (key ;  Sir  Charles's  sensible  influence 
and  Kaiuolani's  impetuous  disposition  should  ac- 
celerate the  desired  result;  hope  alone  conjured  the 
certain  approach  to  a  hitherto  doubtful  success. 

Riding  through  the  gate  and  along  a  winding, 
coral-surfaced  driveway  the  bare  thought  of  prospec- 
tive inheritance  inspired  the  spirit  of  real  actuality. 
The  crooked,  pinched  form  vainly  straightened  in  the 
stirrups  and  from  those  over-hung,  glancing  eyes 
there  for  once  shone  the  fire  of  conviction.  Passing 
the  entrance  with  a  haughty  indifference  and  careless 
flourish  of  the  whip  the  scarcely  tolerable  official 
sprang  to  the  flagstone  and  briskly  ran  up  the  marble 
stairs. 

"Your  card,  sir,"  demanded  the  reverend  page,  in 
opposing  a  deliberate,  unbidden  entrance. 


ioo  KAIUOLANI 

"Stand  aside,  flunkey;  it  is  I,  your — oh?  I  beg 
your  pardon,  Mr.  Hislop.  How  thoughtless  of  me ! 
Please  inform  your  honorable  master  that  our  humble 
minister  begs  an  audience.  Important,  parson — the 
times  are  exacting:  not  so  fruitful  as  in  the  good 
old  missionary  days,  you  know.  There,  now,"  replied 
Bender,  discreetly;  afterwards — as  the  white  haired 
pensioner  disappeared  under  the  pain  of  started 
tears — muttering : 

"How  changed !" 

Respectfully  entering  as  bidden  and  accepting  a 
proffered  seat  the  uninvited  fellow  looked  eagerly 
round  at  the  high,  frescoed  ceilings  and  long  pillared 
corridors.  A  rising  sense  of  the  ridiculous  gradually 
possessed  him.  The  significant  friezes,  the  decorated 
walls,  the  carved  panels,  the  set  floors  suddenly  con- 
trasted with  the  airy  freedom  of  the  mountains.  For 
the  moment  his  spirit  bended  un3er  the  weight  of  an 
awe  inspiring  something  that  seemed  to  call  him 
thither;  carried  him  away  to  the  rambling  voice  of 
the  wild ;  laid  bare  the  secret  bounds  of  a  God-given 
temper,  but  directly  the  welkin  of  Kaiuolani's  voice 
rang  temptingly  through  the  vibrant  halls  that  other 
self  seized  him  like  a  vise  gripping  an  imprisoned 
part. 

Bender  answered  to  all  that  is  human.  The  soul 
claimed  him,  and  urged  him  on  toward  the  reach  that 
makes,  that  separates  the  one  from  the  other,  and 
marks  the  limit  of  man's  endeavor. 

Sir  Charles  came  down  to  greet  him ;  he  had  just 
left  the  floor  above,  where  Kaiuolani  stood,  the  ad- 
mired of  a  coterie  of  friends,  most  of  all  her  father. 
Uena-O-Zan,  her  maid,  had  straightened  a  last  fold 


KAIUOLANI  101 

in  the  long  habit  that  she  should  that  day  wear  at 
the  head  of  the  Royal  Daughters,  and  was  ever  time 
too  precious  ? 

"Superb,"  was  the  father's  verdict,  and  a  chatter 
of  more  versatile  voices  pronounced  him  scant  in 
his  praise. 

"It  is  the  dearest  thing  imaginable,  and  so  becom- 
ing! You  just  look  too  sweet  for  anything.  How  I 
envy  you,  Kaiuolani.  Everybody  shall  fall  at  your  feet 
to-day.  We  shall  all  feel  so  proud — don't  you  think 
so,  Mr.  Pauahieu?"  said  a  voice,  who  had  come  in 
for  a  very  different  purpose,  but  under  the  stress  of 
fortune  could  not  resist. 

Coming  down  the  stairs  Sir  Charles's  pride  in  his 
achievements  and  concern  for  his  offspring  brought 
the  glow  to  his  cheeks.  This  world  seemed  to  him 
the  very  best  that  could  be,  and  with  orderly  pro-, 
gression — as  to  him  the  events  of  the  day  foretold — 
every  man  must  partake  in  a  measured  round  of 
succession  the  joys  and  sorrows  justly  and  inevitably 
apportioned.  No  such  thing  as  the  denial  of  others 
to  gratify  self  had  ever  entered  there.  The  lover 
of  the  hearthstone  and  the  administrator  of  truth 
did  not  despise  a  false  ambition,  for  such  a  thing  re- 
mained foreign  to  his  understanding;  and  upon 
proffering  his  hand  to  a  man  whom  their  country 
had  honored,  and  trusted,  it  was  with  that  underly- 
ing confidence  that  real  brotherhood  must  necessarily 
beget. 

"Good-morning,  Mr.  Bender.  I  am  delighted  to 
see  you.  Can  I  be  of  service?"  said  he,  approaching 
and  extending  both  hands. 

The  greeting,   so  unconcerned  and  gentle,  encour- 


102  KAIUOLANI 

aged  the  designing  minister  with  every  conceivable 
energy  except  the  one  which  had  driven  him  thither; 
and  in  the  presence  of  an  unexpected  dilemma  he 
stood  mute  and  motionless,  unable  to  collect  his 
thoughts  or  dispel  the  mood  that  disturbed  his  poise. 

"I  ran  in  hurriedly  to  discuss  an  important  matter, 
Mr.  Prentiss,  but  under  the  stress  of  circumstances 
I  seem  unable  agreeably  to  broach  the  subject;  the 
environment  does  not  augur  success,"  stammered  he, 
inadvertently. 

"Oh,  ho;  how  so;  my  good  Bender?  I  regret 
exceedingly  that  a  friend  should  feel  the  least  dis- 
comfiture in  my  house.  Please  disclose  at  once  the 
source  of  your  embarrassment;  my  encouragement 
may  assist  somewhat  in  restoring  at  least  a  partial 
equanimity.  Do  me  the  honor  to  try,  my  worthy 
neighbor,"  replied  Sir  Charles,  without  manifesting 
the  least  perturbation. 

"An  easy  mark/'  thought  Bender,  under  the  impulse 
of  the  moment;  "why  should  I  stand  here  like  the 
fool  that  I  am?  He  is  only  a  piece  of  clay,  after 
all:  subservient  to  the  rule  of  individualism,  like  all 
other  men ;  these  works  of  his  are  but  the  product 
of  universal  endeavor,  and  why  should  I  hesitate  to 
appropriate  when  producers  are  loath  to  keep?  I'll 
proceed  with  the  business,  at  once." 

"Come  into  the  study,  Mr.  Prentiss; — excusing  the 
impudence; — it  is  a  serious  matter  that  I  wish  to 
discuss — one  that  affects  us  all  alike  and,  I'll  predict 
you'll  grant,  demands  strict  secrecy." 

"Pardon  me,  Mr.  Bender,  for  not  anticipating  your 
pleasure;  though  I  promise  there  is  none  here  who 
would  disdain  to  conserve  an  interest  or  abuse  a 


KAIUOLANI  103 

privilege.  Let  us  proceed  thither — I  should  have 
formally  proposed." 

They  ambled  along  quietly  over  the  hard,  mosaic 
floors,  the  one's  mind  cogitating  the  mystery  of  so 
unseasonable  a  visit,  the  other's  prospects  rising  by 
leaps  and  bounds.  Bender  was  fast  approaching  that 
stage  of  quest  where  expectation  heeds  not  defeat. 
Kaiuolani  and  position  must  be  his.  The  merry- 
making from  above  had  suddenly  ceased ;  all  became 
strangely  quiet  within  the  great  walls,  and  only  the 
imagination  swayed  or  encouraged  a  thought.  They 
had  passed  through  the  high,  over-domed  archway 
and  stood  facing  each  other  before  the  great  mantle 
that  sparkled  with  the  heatless  glow  of  a  small  make- 
believe  log  fire.  The  little,  ungainly  dwarf,  drawing 
himself  up  to  the  full  height  of  his  cramped,  crooked 
form,  looked  furtively  past  the  big,  whole-souled 
man  that  he  faced;  then  softly  but  surely  the  long 
and  ponderous  draperies  at  a  convenient  side  entrance 
slightly  parted,  and  Martha  Norton  again  confronted 
her  victim.  A  cold  chill  ran  through  him,  and  for 
want  of  Sir  Charles's  assistance  he  had  fallen  to  the 
floor. 

"Excuse  me,  Mr.  Bender ;  I  have  been  waiting  for 
only  a  word  with  Mr.  Prentiss,  and  I  know  you  will 
pardon  a  woman's  simplicity:  I  shall  engage  him 
but  a  moment — and,  in  fact,  it  is  not  at  all  undesirable 
that  you,  yourself,  should  be  present.  May  I  have 
the  pleasure,  good  sir?"  said  she,  kindly,  and  with- 
out showing  the  least  uneasiness. 

Bender,  quickly  regaining  his  breath,  turned  upon 
her  and — the  fire  flashing  underneath  his  shaggy  eye- 
brows— fairly  hissed  with  deliberate  wrath : 


104  KAIUOLANI 

"Curse  you !" 

"I  beg  your  pardon,"  stammered  Sir  Charles,  over- 
come with  surprise  and  burdened  with  suspense.  "My 
friend  Bender,  you  forget  yourself.  It  is  a  lady  you 
address;  an  apology  is  due." 

"Never!"  shouted  he,  with  the  rage  of  a  defeated 
and  driven  animal.  "I  am  master  of  my  own  inclina- 
tions. You  are  at  liberty  to  resolve  the  appropriate- 
ness of  my  speech.  I'll  pursue  my  own  chosen  course. 
Good-day,  sir." 

The  dumfounded  host  stood  gasping  for  breath 
as  Bender  mounted  his  horse  and  tore  down  the  road, 
his  one  arm  akimbo  and  the  other  dangling  at  a  loose- 
drawn  rein. 

Norton  barely  excused  herself  with  the  assurance 
that  time  had  best  reveal  the  good  faith  of  an  un- 
pardonable behavior  and  that  her  presence  at  another 
place  now  became  a  most  urgent  necessity. 

"Please,  Mr.  Prentiss — I  shall  not  ask  your  for- 
giveness; I  am  not  worthy  such  confidence,  and  plead 
only  for  time — I  must  go,"  said  the  hard-pressed 
woman;  who,  without  further  adieu  or  explanation, 
ran  from  the  house  and  entering  a  waiting  carnage 
drove  frantically  away. 

Seating  himself  at  the  one  high,  sun-awned  window 
Prentiss  looked  down  through  the  long,  widening 
valley  and  out  over  the  broad,  coral-reefed  plain  to 
the  dark  still  ocean  in  the  distance.  For  a  mile  or 
more  the  soft  green  of  the  hilled-up  pineapple  con- 
trasted in  long  straight  rows  with  the  dark  golden 
earth  between;  loosing  their  identity  in  the  mottled 
irregular  kalo  and  rice  patches  of  the  populace  beyond. 
From  early  manhood  he  had  looked  upon  that  self- 


KAIUOLANI  105 

inspiring  scene,  revelling  in  the  peace  and  content 
of  an  honored  citizenship.  Should  he  at  last  be  drawn 
into  the  holocaust  of  ambition's  seductive  gripe? 

Only  a  child  wrought  the  transformation :  an  off- 
spring sucked  up  the  waning  energies  of  a  well- 
balanced  life,  as  self  asserts  the  rising  and  our  fellow 
men  command  the  noontide.  Prentiss  but  answered 
to  the  voice  of  God  and  resolved  inevitably  and  irre- 
vocably the  world-exacting  sacrifice.  Rising  from  the 
chair  and  turning  to  call  an  only  child — his  eyes 
moistened  with  gratification ;  she  had  involuntarily  ap- 
peared, and  quietly  approaching  stood  silently  over 
him. 

"What  a  comfort,  Kaiuolani !  and  so  considerate. 
I  could  not  bear  the  burden  except  for  you,"  said  he, 
stooping  to  ease  an  overtaxed  brow  upon  her  ready 
and  willing  shoulder. 

"What  is  it,  papa?  Some  great  trouble  bears  heav- 
ily upon  your  mind.  Am  I  doing  wrong? — I  shall 
give  up  the  parade  if  it  is  not  quite  proper.  Please 
tell  me,  dear  father." 

"No,  daughter ;  it  is  with  gladness  that  I  am  moved. 
I  would  see  you  at  the  side  of  Aokahameha — a  man 
whose  ambitions  rise  above  sordid  realities.  Kiss  me, 
darling  child,  and  I  shall  be  comforted.  I,  an  old  man, 
am  of  right  a  beggar." 

"There,  papa,"  replied  Kaiuolani,  raising  her  lips 
and  throwing  her  arms  round  his  neck ;  "you  shall 
never,  never  need  ask  again." 

"Nor  have  I  needed ;  you  are  a  good,  good  little 
daughter,  and  I  shall  indulge  your  utmost  desires." 

"I  should  prize  more  your  advice — how  about  a 
husband? — It  seems  I  am  doomed!" 


io6  KAIUOLANI 

"Not  so,   but  privileged;   there  appears  to   be  no 
end  of  opportunity." 

"But  the  choice :   that  is   the   secret." 
"Quite  true,  Kaiuolani ;  though  the  better  life  rather 
makes  toward  serving  one's  welfare.     Let  worthiness 
precede  our  sensibilties.     Your   judgment  alone  can 
determine  the  necessities." 

Meditating  a  little  the  reason  of  his  logic,  and 
feeling  directly  the  responsibility  resting  upon  her, 
Kaiuolani  looked  fondly  up  and  whispered: 
"Trust  me,  father;  you  shall  be  happy." 
The  princess  rose  before  him,  satisfying  and  im- 
mortal. The  weal  and  the  woes  of  humanity  were 
as  tinder  amid  the  crash  of  individualism.  No  atone- 
ment seemed  too  great  to  make,  not  a  desire  unworthy 
or  a  gulf  impossible  in  the  waging  of  an  ordered 
supremacy.  Kaiuolani's  frail  form  trembled  mo- 
mentarily with  the  force  of  sudden  conviction;  the 
crucial  test  had  come:  it  left  her  not  as  it  found  her, 
and  all  the  pain  of  subjection  or  the  bitterness  of 
disappointment  could  not  stay  the  doing;  a  subtler 
charm  must  inevitably  hold  to  reveal  the  divine,  make 
toward  perfection,  resolve  the  end. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Sir  Charles  gloried  in  his  daughter's  triumph,  and 
marvelling  the  extent  of  her  democracy  quite  forgot 
the  circumstance  of  Bender's  apparent  frustration. 
It  were  enough  that  his  philosophy  survive;  and, 
reading  into  Kaiuolani's  simple  promise  an  assurance 
other  than  she  had  purposed,  the  cares  of  citizenship 
and  duties  of  parentage  immediately  shrank  to  the 
moral  of  a  shallow  content. 

"Pshaw !  Why  need  I  pother  about  intent?  My 
respectability  is  a  shield  to  Kaiuolani,  no  matter  what 
the  diversion.  I'll  not  burden  her,  a  princess,  with 
parental  interference,"  promised  he,  to  himself,  as  she 
broke  away  and  ran  up  the  stairs,  granting  him 
freedom  to  resume  his  place  at  the  window. 

Sitting  there,  possessing,  the  glory  of  being  so  filled 
him  that  concern  for  the  getting  were  a  sorrow  and 
a  waste.  That  other  men's  hard  proportion  might 
condition  the  future  seemed  a  thing  entirely  outside 
the  bounds  of  a  man  whose  place  is  easily  attained 
and  idly  preserved;  the  taste  of  struggle  had  never 
tickled  the  palate  or  whetted  the  appetite  with  higher 
appreciation,  and  thus  unquickened  the  repast  must 
fall  short  of  an  all-sufficient  cast.  His  subjection 
echoed  only  heart  desire:  salvation  abides  not  alone 
the  cross ;  it  must  be  revealed. 

Though  the  father  sought  peace  along  lines  of 
meager  resistance,  the  daughter's  keen  appreciation 
led  her  to  heed  the  possibilities  that  rivalry  must  at 


io8  KAIUOLANI 

last  engender.  Neither  could  she  dismiss  so  easily 
the  circumstance  of  a  parent's  worriment.  He  had 
said  nothing  about  the  immediate  cause,  nor  did  she 
know  that  the  queen's  minister  had  just  left  in  a  rage 
and  that  Norton's  volunteered  compliment  in  reality 
shielded  an  undisclosed  purpose.  Bounding  lightly 
away  and  seeking  at  once  the  freedom  of  her  own 
apartments,  Kaiuolani  sorely  pondered  the  conse- 
quences of  what  now  seemed  to  be  an  early,  childish 
indiscretion. 

Could  she  renounce  love,  deny  self,  and  abandon 
him?  Must  Colonel  Young,  after  all,  be  made  the 
tool  of  propriety?  These  were  questions  hitherto 
beyond  her  inclusion  or  need.  She  had  hearkened 
only  the  unattainable;  and  now,  that  her  eyes  had 
opened,  the  God-will  shone  forth,  overpowering  and 
satisfying  in  its  wondrous  uplift. 

"At  last,  I  see!"  cried  Kaiuolani,  with  joy,  as  the 
veil  lifted  and  her  way  stood  bared  of  man's  ungrate- 
ful subterfuge. 

The  bonds  of  nativity  fain  lay  broken  in  the  free- 
dom that  light  had  brought,  and  without  a  regret  or 
a  fear  the  young  princess  rose  up  over  a  forbidden 
past  strong  and  eager  to  press  forward  the  battle 
whose  wage  has  from  time's  eternity  decreed  only 
the  God-given  humanities.  Floyd  Young  had  led  her 
close  to  the  precipice,  but  fortune  decreed  that  she 
should  not  leap ;  the  queen  intervened  to  save  her, 
and  now  that  she  realized  fairly  the  difference  be- 
tween liberty  and  license  the  burden  lifted  and  duty 
prompted  the  vitalized  step. 

The  revelation  that  inspired  her  only  fettered 
Young,  urged  him  the  more.  Gutenborj  had  cautioned 


KAIUOLANI  109 

well,  but  the  heart  interest  grew  with  conviction;  and 
at  parting  with  his  adviser  the  young  man  sprang 
into  the  saddle  and  rode  away  hopeful  to  attain,  be- 
fore facing  an  unavoidable  crisis,  the  boon  of  a  per- 
fect understanding.  Kaiuolani  was  still  at  the  castle; 
she  had  not  yet  gone  out  at  the  head  of  her  troop, — 
Norton  apprised  him  of  that,  among  other  things, — 
and  he  sped  on  at  a  lively  gait  to  meet  the  princess : 
to  tell  her  of  his  steadfast  purpose  and  if  possible 
regain  her  faith. 

As  he  galloped  along  the  blood  rose  hot  in  his  veins ; 
while  the  bare  thought  of  serving  their  queen,  invok- 
ing triumph,  and  proving  loyalty  engendered  within 
him  a  broadened  sympathy.  Who  'might  there  be  to 
dispute  right,  baffle  justice,  and  profit  at  the  expense 
of  truth?  If  such  be  there  let  him,  learn  well  the 
emblazoned  lesson  of  repeated  glory.  His  arm  grew 
strong,  and  he  would  have  stricken  the  vile  only  to 
quicken  the  blessings  of  regeneration.  That  day  he 
should  lead  a  recognized  force,  if  needs  be,  to  put 
down  disorder  and  preserve  the  emblem  of  progress : 
plant  their  flag  over  the  homes  of  those  who  trusted 
him  and  prized  unhindered  advancement.  Man's 
highest  hope  lay  within  the  possibilities  of  state,  whose 
transcendency  rested  upon  the  only  force  that  time 
had  evolved.  The  military  strength  of  a  nation 
should  concern  every  individual  that  stood  for  real 
manhood,  and  its  aid  must  be  invoked  to  crush,  that 
government  might  expand.  The  sympathy  of  its  sub- 
jects marked  the  limit  of  empire,  and  the  destinies 
of  mankind  bided  only  the  great:  there  should  be  no 
halting  short  of  one  universal  power,  a  nation  limited 


no  KAIUOLANI 

only  by  the  bounds  of  earth  itself.  That  alone 
exemplified  His  will. 

The  source  of  Floyd  Young's  stalwartism  carried 
him  thither  that  he  might  gain  the  inspiration  to  rise 
to  the  heights  of  conviction,  and  when  the  big  iron 
gates  swung  open  at  his  approach  every  fiber  in  his 
body  responded  to  the  thrill  of  encouraged  action: 
Kaiuolani  must  sanction  the  thought;  his  will  de- 
manded her  compliance,  and  God  alone  made  woman 
to  bear  the  sacrifice. 

Dismounting  at  the  stoop  the  anxious  colonel  was 
coldly  ushered  into  the  house,  where  only  Sir  Charles 
politely  received  him.  The  sudden  disappointment 
overcame  a  hitherto  unshaken  confidence;  Kaiuolani 
had  never  failed  him  at  the  doorstep,  and  at  last 
a  false  impression,  forced  at  the  roadside,  had  met 
with  positive  confirmation :  another  had  gained  her 
favor,  and  he  must  now  plead  for  what  had  seemed 
his  for  the  taking.  Would  she  respond  to  his  re- 
quest ?  The  very  thought  of  disappointment  stole 
away  his  breath  and  revited  mute  the  words. 

"Possibly  you  would  prefer  to  see  my  daughter," 
remarked  the  big-hearted  father,  observing  the  un- 
becoming embarrassment,  even  of  so  unusual  a  call. 

"If  it  is  not  an  imposition,  I  should  very  much  like 
to  do  so ;  though  the  hour  is  certainly  an  unseasonable 
one,"  said  Young,  nervously  conscious  of  the  elder 
man's  scathing  look. 

The  princess  shall  be  her  own  judge:  it  is  my 
pleasure  to  accord  her  respectful  freedom,"  replied 
Sir  Charles,  fully  convinced  that  Kaiuolani  should 
have  no  difficulty  in  proving  herself  equal  to  the  oc- 
casion. 


KAIUOLANI  in 

Calling  Uena-O-Zan,  Kaiuolani's  chief  maid,  a 
Japanese  at  birth,  but  Hawaiian  by  adoption,  Sir 
Charles  sent  word  to  his  daughter  that  Colonel  Young 
awaited  her  pleasure. 

Uena's  dark  eyes  took  in  at  a  glance  the  situation 
with  respect  to  Kaiuolani's  relative  position.  Having 
for  years  observed  closely  and  experienced  not  incon- 
siderably, this  keen-witted  little  maiden  knew  better 
than  her  mistress  the  mainspring  governing  the  move- 
ments of  a  man  like  Young, — a  once  favored  suitor, 
who  now  came  pleading  for  conclusion  and  encourage- 
ment, not  to  cherish  and  protect;  to  take  till  content, 
but  give  with  moderation;  make  the  heart  serve  the 
hand, — and  the  faithful  servant's  olive  cheeks  turned 
scarlet  as  she  conveyed  to  her  idolized  benefactress 
by  word  of  mouth  the  message  and  in  looks  her  feel- 
ings. 

Nor  did  the  unguarded  expression  fail  of  its  warn- 
ing, for  the  princess  upon  going  below  met  her  lover 
with  a  reserve  that  for  once  augured  a  decided  ad- 
vantage. 

"What  would  you  have  of  me,  this  morning?" 
queried  she,  in  a  little  while,  after  having  jauntly  en- 
tered the  room,  whip  and  habit  in  hand. 

"Your  promise/'  answered  he,  unfaltering  in  the 
purpose  to  go  away  with  Kaiuolani's  assurance. 

"Indeed?  Is  it  not  rather  late?  I  have  had  time 
to  plan  a  world  of  loves  since  I  last  attempted  to 
thaw  your  frozen  heart.  I  wonder  that  you  would 
condescend  to  recognize  so  much  as  a  woman's  feel- 
ings? What  secret  spring  under-bubbles  so  generous 
an  impulse  ?  Come ;  be  as  frank  with  me  as  I  am 
tolerant  of  you.  The  exigencies  of  the  time  demand 


ii2  KAIUOLANI 

it,"  replied  she,  haughtily,  and  with  an  air  of  authority 
that  quite  overcame  her  suitor. 

"Kaiuolani !"  whispered  he,  utterly  unable  to  com- 
prehend the  meaning  or  to  face  the  possibilities  of  her 
changed  bearing. 

The  princess  tilted  her  head  the  higher,  and  look- 
ing with  half -closed  eyes  at  the  man  who  faced  her, 
would  have  trampled  upon,  brushed  him  aside  had 
he  condescended  to  weaken ;  but  Young  penetrated  at 
a  glance  the  thin  veil  that  she  tried  hard  to  make 
serve  as  a  shield.  Kaiuolani  may  have  been  impulsive 
and  labored  with  effort,  yet  the  heart  needs  must  lay 
bare  its  secret  under  the  master's  influence,  and  had 
he  borne  patiently  the  will's  way  she  had  fallen  a 
victim  to  reality;  but  at  the  first  sign  of  returning 
consciousness — with  the  hand  voicing  the  soul — he 
must  gloat  over  her,  invoke  his  own  delight,  ignore 
her  inevitable  sensibility,  and  rising  in  his  natural 
might  he  cried  aloud: 

"You  are  lost,  Kaiuolani;  feign  it  otherwise,  if  you 
choose,  you  cannot  escape  me." 

"It  is  false !"  said  she,  in  a  voice  that  stung  him 
with  an  appreciation  of  her  wounded  pride.  ''You 
think  me  weak,  and  capable  only  of  serving  impulse, 
but  I  shall  convince  you  that  I  am  worthy  a  man's 
love :  take  care  that  yours  is  none  the  less,  before  you 
so  lightly  cast  it  to  the  fortunes  of  a  Maua." 

With  each  added  word  the  fire  glowed  freshly  in 
Kaiuolani's  eyes.  She  had  begun  by  tantalizing  her 
prey,  then  weakened  under  the  stress  of  his  conduct, 
but  now  that  her  pride  was  touched  the  old  spirit 
revived  and  she  begged  or  gave  no  quarter.  Young 
for  the  first  time  felt  correctly  the  force  of  her  de- 


KAIUOLANI  113 

termined  worth,  and  with  its  fearless  expression  his 
love  quickened  and  deepened  beyond  human  control. 

"I  surrender,  Kaiuolani;  you  have  to  do  with  me 
as  you  will.  Please  pronounce  the  verdict,"  said  he, 
kneeling  and  begging  forgiveness. 

"No,  Floyd;  you  are  obeying  only  impulse:  when 
you  have  regained  your  senses,  I  should  have  need 
for  a  better  wit.  I  would  not  take  undue  advantage, 
nor  suffer  the  pain  of  indiscretion.  Go  forth  and  win 
your  laurels.  A  woman's  consolation  is  her  strongest 
encouragement.  Better  merit,  though  you  lose — I  pre- 
fer a  husband  given  somewhat  to  daring,  not  alone  in 
bond  with  sympathy." 

Young  arose,  and  departed  from  the  house  without 
making  any  answer.  The  mists  had  been  cruelly 
dispelled,  his  feelings  bitterly  crushed,  and  a  severer 
test  evoked  than  he  had  deigned  conceive.  Cold 
reason  settled  the  necessity,  and  a  burning  fancy  bade 
him  do. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

As  the  disappointed  lover  rode  away,  down  the 
avenue,  toward  the  city  in  the  foreground,  Kaiuolani 
hastened  to  the  window  above  and  peering  from  be- 
hind the  half-drawn  curtains  stole  a  last,  determined 
glance.  Now  that  he  had  gone,  her  heart  quaked 
and  all  the  world  had  been  a  thankless  price  could  she 
have  recalled  those  words;  and  sinking  unconsciously 
to  the  floor,  a  hard-said  prayer  inaudibly  escaped  her 
cold-drawn  lips. 

"How  could  I !  God  forgive  me !"  cried  she ;  in  a 
voice  that  startled  Uena  from  the  nearby  watch  she 
had  vigorously  maintained. 

"Please  help  me  to  my  horse,"  demanded  Kaiuolani, 
of  her  trusted  maid;  "I  must  join  the  procession;  the 
Daughters  will  conjure  alarm  at  my  tardiness.  Is 
Ipo  in  readiness?  Where  are  the  footmen?  Why  do 
you  look  so  serious,  Uena? — I  wish  you  could  accom- 
pany me." 

Directly  the  princess  had  gone  Elmsford  drove  up, 
proposing  to  ask  Sir  Charles  to  share  his  carriage  in 
the  procession.  He  had  just  left  the  palace, — where 
the  officers,  dignitaries  and  foreign  diplomats  were 
already  assembling, — and  brought  much  of  interest 
to  say  to  his  pleased  and  curious  host. 

"Is  the  representation  complete?"  asked  Prentiss, 
having  accepted  the  invitation  and  seated  himself  at 
Elmsford's  side. 

"Oh,  by  the  way,"  continued  he,  changing  the  sub- 
ject, as  the  driver  started  off,  "hold,  a  minute;  I 
should  like  to  give  some  instructions.'1 


KAIUOLANI  115 

"With  pleasure,"  replied  Elmsford. 

"Hislop?  Here,  please,"  commanded  Sir  Charles, 
addressing  a  shabbily  departing  attendant.  "You  and 
as  many  of  the  household  as  like  are  at  liberty  to  at- 
tend the  ceremonies.  You  can  drive  down,  and — I 
should  be  pleased  to  see  you  all  going." 

"Thank  you,"  answered  the  aged  derelict,  without 
disclosing  any  apparent  nervousness. 

"That  is  all,  Mr.  Elmsford:  I  thank  you  for  the 
kindness,"  said  Prentiss,  returning  his  attention  to  the 
puffed-up  host  at  his  side. 

"The  attendance  was  complete,"  began  Elmsford, 
resuming  an  interrupted  conversation,  "but  I  doubt 
if  it  shall  remain  thus,  through  the  day." 

"Why  so,  my  good  Elmsford?"  asked  Prentiss, 
quickly,  being  a  little  surprised. 

"I  question  Harvenoiq's  good  faith,"  replied  the 
cool  Britisher,  without  the  least  hesitation.  "He  is 
a  slippery  fellow — as  all  Americans  are,  so  far  as  my 
experience  goes." 

"The  minister  has  no  authority,  however;  and, 
furthermore,  the  country  he  represents  is  not  suffi- 
ciently settled  in  policy  to  make  a  specific  demand — 
outside  of  thread  and  needles,  perhaps,"  replied  the 
long  ago  naturalized  Hawaiian,  confidently,  and  with 
no  thought  of  national  interference  from  that  source. 

"That  is  quite  true,"  continued  Elmsford,  "and  the 
very  fact  that  its  foreign  representatives  are  wholly 
unbound  by  conservative  rules  gives  designing  poli- 
ticians— appointed  to  self-ridding  outside  posts — 
an  opportunity  to  make  shift  any  kind  of  wholesome 
or  unwholesome  interference.  That  sort  of  diplomat 
is  the  most  dangerous  of  all  grouty  pretenders;  and 


n6  KAIUOLANI 

once  a  decisive  step  is  taken  the  false  patriotism  of 
his  hot-headed  countrymen  will  lead  their  awfully 
elusive  government  into  dire  straits,  even  at  the  cost 
of  shame,  to  avoid  what  a  bragadocia  nature  shuns 
most  of  all;  the  possibility  of  having  to  face  a  back- 
ing down  and  out's  ever  scornful  finger." 

"But  Harvenoiq  is  weak, — too  puerile  to  rise  above 
the  taint  of  flattery, — and  his  country,  a  republic?  My 
friend,  the  dawn  of  empire  in  America  is  a  thing  our 
remotest  posterity  need  not  presume  to  see,"  remarked 
the  other,  with  the  certainty  of  a  pent  up  and  un- 
mistakable conviction. 

"And  should  that  particular  star  chance  to  peep 
above  their  checkered  horizon — well,  there  is  one  con- 
solation; John  Bull  shall  see  it  safely  set.  What  an 
inspiration;  the  very  thought — touch  of  old  Jack! 
The  unwinding  may  be  slow,  but  sooner  or  later  its 
folds  shall  make  common  the  lot  of  all  this  earth's 
deserving.  It  is  invincible,  traditionally  grand !" 

"Ergo!"  fairly  shouted  the,  for  the  moment,  un- 
conscious disallegiant.  "But  what  about  those  he 
disdains?  You  know,  John  is  not  bestowing  his 
patronage  except  the  vintage  be  satisfying.  Strug- 
gling principalities,  too  small  or  tasteless  to  tempt — 
for  instance,  it  is  not  so  long  since  Mr.  Bull  de- 
liberately refused  our  own,  these  very  islands,  as  a 
gift.  Come;  should  we  not  be  content?" 

"Until  routed,  I  should  say;  I  myself  dislike  any- 
thing that  smacks  too  much  of  encouraged  activity." 

"You  are  the  right  sort,  Elmsford:  only  you  are, 
if  I  may  say  it,  a  little  too  suspicious.  Let  the  world 
wag  on ;  each,  active  or  passive,  tolerable  or  intolera- 
ble, shall  get  his  due,  even  his  Americanism." 


KAIUOLANI  117 

"And  that's  no  play;  the  force  is  there;  eighty 
millions — no;  they  lack  consistency.  England  is 
bearer.  The  cross !  Brotherhood !  Finality !  Sweet, 
oh  sweet  eternity !" 

"Aye,  aye;  good  Samaritan,  vain  prophet;  you  for- 
get the  lesson  of  to-day's  events ;  you  shall  see  :i 
queen  vouchsafe  the  blessings  of  man,  providential 
mortal.  How  thankful !" 

"Not  I,"  replied  Elmsford,  as  he  looked  round  at 
the  drawn,  open-mouthed  that  everywhere  waited,  they 
knew  not  what. 

Nor  did  clamor  avail  the  credulous  or  disturb  those 
who  reasoned.  A  few  gathered  together  and  ordered 
while  the  multitude  gaped  in  ignorance.  A  thousand 
strong  hearts  quaked  mute  and  aimless  amid  the  con- 
cord of  intellectual  sway,  utterly  unable  to  invoke  a 
bloodless  right  or  to  arrest  their  traditional  despoila- 
tion. 

At  the  palace  were  congregated  all  those  who  count, 
or  that  had  not  their  interests  elsewhere.  Ihoas  con- 
soled with  the  queen,  and  Gutenborj  supported  her  in 
the  trifling  contentions  that  seemed  to  arise  on  every 
hand. 

The  throne  room  had  been  set  apart  as  the  most 
agreeable  and  more  proper  place  for  the  signing  of 
the  big  parchment  roll  that  should,  from  the  doorstep, 
at  high  noon,  be  proclaimed  the  sovereign  law  of 
Hawaii;  and  shortly  before  the  hour  of  promulgation 
had  arrived,  or  the  procession  that  was  to  carry  hence 
the  unsigned  document  had  moved,  the  queen  pro- 
ceeded to  seat  herself  in  the  olden  chair  of  state.  As 
the  venerable  woman  marched  down  through  the  as- 
sembled throng  a  thrill  of  pride  ran  triumphantly 


ii8  KAIUOLANI 

over  all;  there  were  present  a  host  of  admirers  and 
all  the  dignitaries  who  were  known  not  to  be  engaged 
with  the  doings  on  the  outside.  Ministers  and  ap- 
pointees of  all  nations  represented  at  the  capital  were 
there;  the  Royalists  came  in  force,  and  disgruntled 
Kamehamehas  buried  for  the  occasion  what  jealousy 
may  have  lingered;  Patriots  filled  the  room  to  over- 
flowing, and  the  open  windows  wafted  afar  their  happy 
approbation. 

A  long  line  of  guards  stood  like  statues  on  either 
side  the  passageway  that  led  from  the  queen's  boudoir 
to  the  respected  seat  of  might,  and  as  the  stately  sov- 
ereign, led  by  bearers  of  tall  Kahili, — the  significant 
emblem  of  justice, — made  her  way  down  the  cleared 
aisle  all  men  bowed  their  heads,  and  a  silent  prayer 
filled  the  hearts  of  those  who  appreciated  the  force 
of  will. 

Climbing  the  short,  easy  stairs  that  led  to  empire's 
sway  a  myriad  clustering,  golden  oo  feathers  wavered 
and  fluttered  in  the  soft  light  that  glistened  and 
shadowed  in  the  folds  of  her  traditional  garb.  It  was 
the  cloak  of  divinity,  and  tens  of  thousands  had 
spent  their  lives  in  the  weaving,  and  the  gathering; 
centuries  had  come  and  gone  since  its  beginning;  the 
touch  of  its  hem  had  been  held  a  privileged  honor; 
the  lon'g  train  widened  and  spread  before  a  worship- 
ping multitude,  and  yet  beneath  its  royal  shelter  there 
beat  the  heart  of  a  human — a  woman  who  prized  the 
welfare  of  a  nation.  Slowly  but  deliberately  as- 
cending, she  calmly  turned  and  resolutely  faced  an 
eager,  attentive  throng. 

No  man  or  woman  there  would  have  changed  that 
scene:  even  Bender  flushed  with  the  pride  of  privi- 


KAIUOLANI  119 

lege,  and  could  he  recall  the  last  hours  would  have 
surrendered  to  the  heed  of  righteousness.  Only 
Harvenoiq  winced  and  labored  with  the  strain  of 
abeyance.  He  had  rushed  upon  the  head  of  state, 
would  have  snatched  away  the  jewelled  scepter,  and 
placed  the  crown  upon  his  own  ungrateful  brow.  The 
claims  of  fitness  to  him  bore  no  significance,  and  an 
ugly  frown  wrinkled  his  hard-set  countenance. 

Calmly  surveying  the  expectant,  upturned  faces  all 
about  her,  Liliuokolani  in  a  deep,  convincing  voice 
announced  the  purpose  of  the  meeting,  and  ordered  the 
ministry  to  attend  her  at  the  throne.  Thus  none  was 
absent,  and  without  a  hesitation  all  approached  and 
seated  themselves  at  either  side  the  minister  of  finance 
in  front;  whereat  her  majesty  announced: 

"It  is  my  privilege  and,  I  trust,  your  pleasure  this 
day  in  the  presence  of  all  nationalities  here  assembled 
to  execute  and  publish  to  all  the  world  a  new  constitu- 
tion, the  supreme  law  of  this  our  destined  land.  Is 
there  one  who  would  protest?" 

A  breathless  silence  overcast  the  room.  Not  a 
sound  disturbed  the  refreshing  air  that  fanned  their 
flushed  and  eager  faces.  Bender's  heart  beat  hotly 
with  the  delights  of  a  quickened  transformation.  His 
whole  soul  went  over  to  the  delectable,  and  not  a 
member  shrank  at  the  thought  of  doing  his  bounden 
duty.  Only  stillness  seemed  a  fitting  answer,  and  then 
rudely  and  arrogantly  the  American  minister  stalked 
into  the  open,  close  at  the  queen's  place.  A  guard 
seized  and  held  him  back,  as  he  shouted  and  brand- 
ished, huskily : 

"I  deny  the  right.     It  is  the  people's  business!" 

The  queen  made  no  answer,  and  Gutenborj  hastened 


120  KAIUOLANI 

to  hustle  the  diplomat  from  the  scene  of  his  un- 
pardonable behavior. 

"You  are  mad,  man,"  said  the  roused  planter, 
thrusting  the  slight,  half-turned  fellow  aside.  "At 
least  have  the  decency  to  save  your  country's  shame; 
rude,  untutored  lout,  that  you  proclaim  yourself  to 
be." 

"Who  are  you,  that  you  would  dictate?  I  am 
sponsor  here,  I  would  have  you  know,  ungrateful 
beggar,"  replied  Harvenoiq,  tearing  himself  loose,  and 
stamping  away,  toward  a  convenient  exit,  the  while 
firing  and  fuming  with  ungoverned  rage. 

With  Harvenoiq,  a  foreign  minister's  disappearance, 
the  audience  broke  into  an  involuntary  chatter,  and 
Gutenborj  quite  forgetting  himself  earnestly  begged 
her  majesty  to  grant  him  the  privilege  of  apologizing 
on  behalf  of  the  country  to  whose  flag  he  as  a  matter 
of  convenience  still  bore  allegiance.  Without  conde- 
scending to  reply,  the  farcical  nature  of  the  whole  situa- 
tion forced  itself  upon  the  queen's  immediate  atten- 
tion to  such  extent  that  she  quite  neglected  for  the 
time  being  to  restore  order  or  proceed  with  the  busi- 
ness at  hand. 

The  pause  occasioned  by  Harvenoiq's  disorderly 
conduct  not  only  gave  doubtful  and  weak-kneed  local 
ministers  a  chance  to  question  in  their  own  minds  antf 
parley  with  each  other  the  propriety  of  continuing 
in  the  absence  of  one  so  vital  to  their  welfare,  but  it 
at  once  became  the  signal  for  casual  though  earnest 
remarks  on  the  part  of  others :  if  less  concerned  about 
material  interests,  then  more  deeply  conscious  of  a 
wounded  dignity. 

"It  is  a  most  unpardonable  offense,"  wildly  urged 


KAIUOLANI  121 

the  redoubtable  Mr.  Earnest  de  Seionoff,  resident 
charge  d'  affairs  and  minister  plenipotentiary  of  the 
French  republic,  in  discussing  the  circumstance  with 
Sir  James  S.  Hardthrust,  diplomatic  representative 
from  Great  Britain. 

"A  trifle  enthusiastic,  my  good  Mr.  Seionoff.  I 
dare  say,  no  harm  is  meant  or  ill  shall  come  of  it. 
We,  who  are  wise,  must  make  due  allowance — I  am 
heartily  pleased  with  the  queen.  How  does  she  im- 
press you,  this  morning,  brother  ambassador?"  re- 
plied the  discreet  Englishman,  in  a  vain  attempt  to 
allay  the  Frenchman's  heated  nerves. 

"It  is  not  for  me  to  answer  while  in  a  state  of  very 
great  upsetting.  The  American :  he  has  given  cause 
for  the  most  severe  treating  about  his  disciplinable- 
ness.  We  are  spokesmen  for  our  speaking  and  cannot 
hold  ourselves  within  ourselves — " 

"I  shouldn't  be  a  bit  disturbed  by  the  Honorable 
Mr.  Harvenoiq's  mistakes,"  intercepted  the  judicious 
Hardthrust,  sympathetically.  "He  will  make  amends — 
just  give  him  a  chance." 

"Oh !  You  are  too  most  easy  of  feeling.  It  is 
only  a  Frenchman  who  can  see,  who  can  do 

"Have  you — pardon  the  digression — seen  a  draft  of 
the  proposed  new  constitution,  Mr.  Seionoff?" 

"Constitution  ?  Constitution  ?  I  have  looked  at  only 
insult.  It  is  most  unbearable,  this  unfeeling  of  polite- 
ness ;  I  must  make  myself  amends,"  shouted  the  ex- 
cited diplomat,  huskily  in  his  neighbor's  dull  ears,  the 
while  dancing  about  like  a  suddenly  decapitated  fowl. 

"Politeness  will  follow  development:  it  is  not  so 
long,  you  know,  since  the  great  La  Fayette  discovered 


122  KAIUOLANI 

America,"  ventured  the  thoughtful  Britisher,  good- 
naturedly. 

"La  Fayette !  Oh,  the  too  not  far  seeing.  Only 
for  without  him  we  had  already  a  big  empire  where 
now  is  but  confusion  for  money.  It  is  a  large  dis- 
grace in  the  world.  La  Fayette !  La  Fayette !" 

The  decidedly  heated  though  close  conversation  be- 
tween the  two  foreign  diplomats  significantly  escaped 
the  attention  of  everybody  there,  excepting  only  one. 
The  queen  remained  too  deeply  absorbed  with  con- 
sciousness and  suspicion  to  observe  or  realize  the  pur- 
port of  any  the  incidental  and  chaotic  surroundings. 
Bender's  keen  eye  and  ready  ear,  on  the  other  hand, 
divined  everything,  even  the  pained,  telltale  look  that 
disturbed  her  majesty's  presence. 

Surmising  Great  Britain's  careless  attitude  and 
France's  unpreparedness,  the  shrewd  minister  of 
finance  dismissed  with  a  sweep  of  the  intellect  any 
possible  thought  of  interference  from  either  one  or 
the  other.  With  renewed  courage  and  lessening  re- 
spect his  temporary  and  sudden  patriotism  began 
rapidly  to  wane.  After  all  it  seemed  but  a  matter  of 
self-provision.  Why  concede  anything?  The  plans 
were  laid,  and  withal  a  force  stood  ready  to  do  his 
bidding.  Harvenoiq  had  blundered  himself  into  the 
blame,  why  not  drive  to  a  finish  the  resolution  that 
seemed  all  but  a  reality. 

Deprived  of  an  ideal  the  world  seemed  cold  and 
dreary:  in  one  opportune  moment  ambition  claimed 
and  drove  its  faltering  victim.  The  blood  of  royalty 
had  but  rosed  the  pathway  to  success. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

First  one  and  then  another  retired  until  finally  only 
the  officials,  the  foreign  diplomats,  the  Patriots,  and 
a  partial  representation  of  Royalists  remained.  Guten- 
borj  held  his  post  and  at  each  withdrawal  renewed 
his  activity.  The  queen  rallied  with  encouragement 
and  turning  directly  to  the  high  chamberlain  demanded, 
sharply : 

"Order,  in  the  throne  room." 

Instantly  the  confusion  ceased,  and  every  man  re- 
sumed his  place.  Wrangling  ministers  shuffled  back 
to  their  seats  and  not  one  dared  voice  a  contrary  senti- 
ment, though  the  interim  had  been  spent  in  dangerous 
parley  and  hostile  subterfuge.  Their  faces  alone  be- 
trayed a  signal  change, — some  flushed  and  excited, 
others  pale  and  serious, — but  Bender !  His  counte- 
nance revealed  not  a  thought  or  an  emotion.  A  color- 
less skin  drew  hard  round  the  dark,  meaningless  eyes 
that  held  an  audience  keenly  subservient  to  his  pene- 
trating thought.  No  word  or  act  escaped  him,  and 
only  the  distant  rumble  of  fife  and  drum  disturbed 
his  withering  conscience. 

The  procession  came  on,  diverting  the  queen's  at- 
tention; yet  they  had  marched  too  soon;  the  soft 
strains  of  God  Save  the  Queen  rose  above  the  din 
of  tramp,  tramp,  tramp;  patriotism  again  stirred  the 
hearts  of  those  he  had  betrayed:  but  there  was  one 
whom  he  understood;  he  could  trust  Kenlikola,  ap- 


i24  KAIUOLAN1 

pointed  to  the  ministry  at  his  sole  solicitation ;  Paua- 
hieu,  doubtful  courtier,  knew  the  way,  and  only  time 
stood  between  the  thought  and  the  deed. 

Among  the  many  faces  there  assembled,  but  one 
caused  the  wary  minister  of  finance  the  least  uneasi- 
ness ; — Norton  was  rid  of :  had  her  hands  full  else- 
where;— Ihoas  never  lost  sight  of  him;  her  native 
wit  followed  his  every  movement,  discerned  the  depth 
of  his  feigned  plausibility — and  Bender  knew  it;  her 
presence  disconcerted  him,  and  the  queen's  chief  lady 
in  waiting  viewed  thus  afar  the  lone  cloud  that  fore- 
shadowed a  beggarly  attempt. 

"The  devil  take  me,"  said  he,  to  himself,  with  set 
and  angry  jaws,  as  the  knowing  princess  half  watched 
at  the  window  for  Elmsford's  carriage.  "I  have  be- 
trayed myself.  And  to  her,  cursed  mongrel  ?" 

The  constitution  bearers  halted  at  the  doorstep 
below.  A  shout  of  applause  drowned  the  players'  best 
efforts,  and  their  lofty  sentiment  resounded  far  above, 
even  unto  the  throne  they  worshipped. 

Bender  trembled  at  the  awful  approbation,  shriv- 
elled at  his  own  base  intent,  and  then  that  other  force 
seized  him,  and  taking  advantage  of  an  opportune 
moment,  amid  their  confusion,  he  gave  the  signal  that 
set  in  motion  an  avalanche  that  respects  neither  the 
virtuous  nor  the. sinful,  grinds  beneath  its  ponderous, 
listless  weight  alike  the  strong  and  the  weak. 

The  high  chamberlain  turned  his  back  and  prince 
Kenlikola,  sulking  Royalist  that  he  proved  to  be, 
secretly  left  his  post  and  devoid  of  a  promise  or  a 
hope  stealthily  left  the  room. 

The  ministry  stood  broken,  and  without  their  un- 
divided sanction  and  individual  signatures  the  queen's 


KAIUOLANI  125 

act  of  promulgation  while  yet  one  remained  present 
had  been  considered  revolutionary.  Kenlikola,  a  de- 
scendant of  the  ancient  Kamehamehas  and  a  power 
under  the  Mauas,  had,  with  the  connivance  of  Paua- 
hieu,  the  high  chamberlain,  deliberately  absented  him- 
self, thus_openly  denying  the  queen  her  pleasure  and 
lawful  prerogative.  In  such  manner  Bender  reasoned 
himself  free  from  taint.  Should  his  scheme  fall 
through  he  could  still  save  face  before  the  populace 
and  force  retention  upon  the  administration.  Busy- 
ing himself  at  table,  ostensibly  with  legitimate  busi- 
ness, but  in  reality  with  fanning  into  flame  the  spark 
that  ignited  the  fancy  of  servile  ministers  yet  linger- 
ing, the  queen  doubting  none  other  momentarily  re- 
laxed under  the  stress  of  enthusiasm  her  vigilance, 
and  unfortunately  the  withdrawal  of  Kenlikola  for  the 
time  being  passed  unnoticed. 

Directly  the  carriers  entered,  solemnly  proceeding 
down  the  aisle,  Pauahieu,  trusted  custodian,  turned 
mechanically  to  meet  and  greet  them.  It  remained 
only  for  him  to  receive  at  their  hands  and  lay  before 
the  queen  and  cabinet  the  precious  instrument ;  there- 
fore, sooner  than  face  the  displeasure  that  his  willing 
demeanor  must  have  provoked,  the  poisoned,  revenge- 
ful decadent  irreverently  grasped  the  proffered  tray 
and  wheeling  round  advanced  within  convenient  dis- 
tance, announcing  bruskly: 

"The  proposed  constitution,  your  majesty." 
The  queen,  pained  and  alert,  gazed  steadfastly  at 
her  old  and  respected  chamberlain.  She  could  not 
make  answer;  that  thrust  had  been  a  dagger,  reach- 
ing deep  into  a  bewildered  consciousness.  Amid  the 
great  rejoicing  many  were  the  discrepancies  that  had 


126  KAIUOLANI 

met  the  keen,  unslackened  observation  of  Liliuokolani. 
She  knew  only  too  well  that  there  forged  traitors  on 
every  hand, — cunning  artificers  ready  to  strike  as 
served  their  convenience, — but  whom  to  suspect  and 
how  effectively  to  eradicate  the  destructive  germs  were, 
in  consequence  of  so  strained  a  situation,  beyond  the 
ken  of  humankind. 

Without  taking  her  eyes  from  Pauahieu's  rigid, 
downcast  face,  the  proud,  resourceless  woman  half- 
unconsciously  muttered : 

"And  you,  too,  Pauahieu?" 

A  hushed  fear  seized  upon  all  those  within  hear- 
ing, and  shorn  of  a  warning  or  an  apology  the  disap- 
pointed heir  to  nobility  dropped  dead  before  their 
startled  gaze.  Bender  stood  ready  at  hand  and  realiz- 
ing instantly  the  unexpected  rushed  forward  in  time 
to  save  the  jeopardized  instrument:  assuming  an  air 
of  wounded  respect,  he  looked  all  round,  haughtily 
and  self-convinced,  as  he  proudly  spread  the  ruffled 
parchment  directly  before  the  throne. 

Thereupon  Norton  ran  into  the  room,  nervous  and 
expectant.  The  guards  closed  in  front,  but  she  tore 
by  and  frantically  approaching  cried  with  vehemence : 

"There  is  commotion  at  the  docks!" 

A  deathly  silence  ensued ;  the  lifeless  form  of  Paua- 
hieu lay  stretched  on  the  floor;  the  weird  notes  of 
bewailing  natives  fell  significantly  upon  their  ears, 
and  all  eyes  turned  toward  the  queen. 

Liliuokolani  sat  motionless  and  serene  above  the 
cowering  throng,  while  a  rising  flush  drove  the  pallor 
from  her  cheeks;  then  an  effective  majesty  asserted 
its  sway;  with  fixed  expression  and  studied  emphasis 
the  tottering  monarch  gave  command : 


KAIUOLANI  127 

"Arrest  the  offender." 

Two  heavy  guards  laid  hold  upon  the  good-inten- 
tioned  intruder,  and  pandemonium  reigned  in  the 
throne  room.  Everybody  sprang  up  and  shouting  his 
say  ran  hither  and  thither,  while  the  ministry  flew 
with  fear  and  only  Bender  remained  to  thwart  the 
queen,  or  to  deny  her  the  inalienable  right  of  pro- 
mulgation attending  their  total  decampment. 

His  presence  alone  saved  the  cabinet's  only  pre- 
rogative and  left  the  queen  helpless  either  to  enforce 
conjoint  submission  or  proclaim  individually  the  law. 
Liliuokolani,  therefore,  looked  hopelessly  after  the  ab- 
sconding ministers,  whose  signatures  she  so  urgently 
required,  and  for  once  and  for  all  realized  fully  the 
necessity  of  a  controlling  force  behind  the  mandates 
of  effective  government.  Gutenborj  stood  ready  with 
reasonable  assurances, — her  own  life  seemed  to  ex- 
emplify the  virtue  of  sympathy, — but  underneath  it 
all  there  appeared  to  stand  boldly  and  effectively  the 
supremacy  of  grim-visaged  arms.  Philosophers  might 
predict,  the  humanitarian  deplore,  a  vain  world  swag- 
ger blindly  on,  yet  shot  and  shell  lay  at  the  foundation 
of  all  that  man  in  his  wisdom  had  deigned  concede — 
the  end  and  aim  of  modern  civilization.  The  queen 
deeply  despaired  and  leaning  hard  upon  Ihoas  re- 
tired to  the  Blue  Room,  where  Bender  begged  cring- 
ingly : 

"I  would  do  your  majesty  the  service  were  it  in 
my  power  alone — you  see  I  am  helpless ;  my  colleagues 
have  deserted.  I— 

"Hold  your  tongue,  defamer  of  other  men's  sacred 
rights ;  Ihoas  is  the  truer  spokesman.  What  would 
you  have,  good  lady  ?"  said  the  queen,  as  the  towering 


128  KAIUOLANI 

princess  arose  and  beckoning  a  hearing  thrust  herself 
between  the  prating  minister  and  their  sovereign  whom 
she  worshipped. 

"That  man  is  a  traitor ;  I  hold  the  proof,"  replied 
Ihoas,  pointing  to  the  halting  man  who  stood  wincing 
under  the  fire  of  her  unremitting  gaze. 

"Stand  aside,  Ihoas:  let  the  minister  interpose  a 
defense,  if  such  he  has,"  commanded  Liliuokolani, 
firmly  but  respectfully. 

Shuffling  and  hesitating  the  whipped  minister  glanced 
round,  then  advancing  observed  not  alone  Ihoas  but 
Gutenborj  firmly  standing  at  the  queen's  side.  Their 
eyes  met  momentarily,  and  Bender  read  in  that  one 
supreme  look  the  fixed  determination  of  a  dreaded 
opponent  and  the  real  mainstay  of  the  throne :  his 
thoughts  ran  back  to  Kaiuolani,  to  wealth,  to  posi- 
tion— all  these  crowded  fast  upon  a  quickening 
memory,  and  without  warning  or  preparation  the 
means  of  their  fruition  must  be  subtly  resolved.  The 
lip  that  he  would  hold  firm  quivered,  and  clutching 
tight  the  loose  parchment  that  shook  in  his  hand  a 
mastering  will  and  broken  movement  laid  hare  the 
weakened  mainspring  behind  a  bolstered  purpose. 

"I  am  not  responsible  for  a  refractory  ministry," 
said  he,  with  unmeaning  emphasis  and  doubtful  intent. 

"But  you  have  led  me  to  the  brink  of  a  precipice : 
would  you  have  me  take  the  leap  alone?"  replied  the 
queen,  significantly. 

"The  act  would  be  revolutionary,  as  long  as  there 
is,  even,  but  one  member  present." 

"Then  complete  the  representation  and  sign  the 
document  or  depart,  that  I  may  serve  my  people. 
Your  promise:  have  you  forgotten?" 


KAIUOLANI  129 

"I — we  have  not  examined  the  document;  I  must 
ask  for  time 

"How  dare  you  say  that,  having  had  it  in  your  pos- 
session for  a  month?  Officer,  eject  the  unruly  min- 
ister; the  law  must  be  proclaimed." 

No  sooner  had  the  words  escaped  her  lips,  than  the 
shrill  blast  of  a  strange,  mysterious  bugle  broke  faintly 
upon  the  still,  resonant  air.  Every  man's  heart  leaped 
and  their  feet  stood  riveted  and  chained  in  the  pres- 
ence of  threatening  danger.  Bender  smiled  a  sickening 
smile,  and  rolling  taut  the  fated  constitution  boldly 
withdrew  and  quietly  absconded  before  an  astonished 
court  could  recover  its  sense  or  a  destined  people 
might  comprehend  the  sudden  burst  of  decisive  revolu- 
tion. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  guards  stood  lined  up  on  either  side  the  drive- 
way leading  through  the  palace  grounds  to  the  main 
entrance  in  front.  A  strong  reserve  rested  upon  loaded 
arms  at  the  rear,  and  Aokahameha  with  his  aids, 
mounted  and  happy,  waited  underneath  the  high  ve- 
randa's edge.  At  the  sight  of  Bender  the  unsophisti- 
cated, warm-hearted  general  saluted  respectfully,  and 
possibly  a  sense  of  pride  touched  his  bearing;  these 
were  true  and  virtuous  men  who  heeded  his  command, 
and  not  a  breath  of  suspicion  tainted  their  lives. 

No  hope  of  reward  augmented  those  ranks  or 
mercenary  motive  compelled  their  allegiance;  they 
came  from  the  soil;  were  filled  with  patriotism;  grew 
with  traditional  energy;  embodied  the  spirit  of  higher 
purpose — their  sole  aim  and  province  foretold  the 
humane  preservation  and  liberal  encouragement  of 
established,  progressive  institutions. 

The  skulking  minister  irreverently  brushed  them  by, 
his  starved,  ruthlessly  denied  soul  withering  under 
the  stress  of  manliness  reflected  in  their  open,  self- 
poised  countenances.  In  vain  he  may  have  hoped  for 
scant  disturbance,  conjured  a  faltering  intent,  observed 
the  slightest  infraction ;  they  were  men  to  preserve 
order,  nor  would  abuse  law,  and  until  reaching  the 
docks  where  another  kind  of  activity  roused  fresh 
desire  a  myriad  faint  conceptions  baffled  his  troubled 
conscience. 


KAIUOLANI  131 

He  had  gained  his  ground  by  promising  the  visiting 
commodore  that  there  should  appear  at  a  given  hour 
and  proposed  place  some  urgent  occasion  for  the  land- 
ing of  the  marines,  and  now  the  time  had  arrived  it 
seemed  utterly  disastrous  that  his  prediction  should 
not  prove  verified:  there  appeared  no  disorder  at  the 
palace  or  elsewhere  that  he  could  see  other  than  that 
occasioned,  through  his  own  instrumentality,  by  the 
landing  of  foreign  troops,  and  the  scheming  min- 
ister with  all  his  cunning  knew  not  the  secret  of 
diplomacy ;  he  relied  implicitly  upon  patent  causes  for 
desired  effects  and  held  himself  responsible  for  an 
apparent  justification,  even  at  the  cost  of  forgery. 
Just  how  to  sustain  his  position  and,  possibly,  save 
his  neck,  under  the  circumstances,  became  an  all  ab- 
sorbing problem.  Looking  only  to  individual  gain 
the  responsibilities  waxed  entirely  personal  and  the 
means  narrowed  to  his  own  contemptible  efforts. 
Bender  had  prostituted  the  truth,  and  before  the  first 
launch  arrived,  carrying  at  her  stern  the  as  yet  un- 
daunted and  in  her  hold  a  solid  mass  of  blue  and 
white,  with  bayonets  fixed  and  belts  strapped  heavy, 
the  instigator  of  it  all  would  have  gladly  surrendered 
everything  but  his  mask  and  departed  from  the  Islands 
could  he  have  recalled  only  the  treasonable  design. 

Shout  after  shout  went  up  from  the  small  circle 
who  huddled  about  and  struggled  for  a  first  glimpse 
at  close  range.  Somehow  the  landing  had  been  noised 
about  in  private, — Norton's  tongue  would  wag, — and 
at  the  first  blast  on  board  the  Bonton  the  annexa- 
tionists  to  a  man  rushed  to  the  water's  edge ;  and  upon 
the  minister  of  finance's  appearance  renewed  courage 


132  KAIUOLANI 

enabled  them  to  raise  their  voices  in  behalf  of  what, 
they  knew  not  but  deemed  delectable,  if  not  safe. 

Looking  round,  their  once-upon-a-time  leader's  spirit 
revived ;  these  men  had  been  his  earliest  and  staunchest 
supporters — why  should  he  abandon  renewed  encour- 
agement, even  if  unmerited  ?  He  would  once  more  fall 
back  upon  his  kind,  and  trust  to  fate  or  falsehood 
for  justification  in  the  eyes  of  an  abused  commander. 
Opportunity  after  all  awaited  only  the  making,  and 
the  force  assembling  at  his  feet  had  neither  the  time 
nor  the  inclination  to  question  the  veracity  of  his  or 
any  other  man's  doing.  The  men  were  glad  for  a 
chance  to  stretch  their  careless  limbs,  their  leader 
was  anxious  for  the  privilege  of  burnishing  his  own 
rust-eaten  valor ;  Bender  forgot  danger,  eschewed  duty, 
and  saw  only  with  eyes  bleared  by  the  belated  promise 
of  war's  attendant  enthusiasm. 

The  troops  came  in  squads  and  formed  into  com- 
panies— their  faces  and  build  and  demeanor  portray- 
ing fairly  the  many  nationalities;  Germans,  Irishmen, 
Englishmen  and  whatnots,  with  a  sprinkling  of  native 
sons  filled  well  the  American  ranks;  but  they  all 
marched  to  music  and  lived  on  never-failing  rations — 
far  up  on  the  open,  that  hitherto  had  answered  the 
purposes  of  a  more  friendly  pursuit ;  the  bickering  and 
bartering  of  market  tradesmen  and  flower-laden  sales- 
women. 

Bender  livened  with  anticipation.  Here  proffered 
a  different  kind  of  fighting  man — from  the  one  who 
had  moved  him  to  broader  sympathy  while  yet  within 
the  confines  of  government's  lofty  touch.  A  soldier 
drilled  to  obey,  not  a  patriot  born  and  bred  to  live 
and  die  for  principle ;  more  easily  encouraged  to  shoot, 


KAIUOLANI  133 

and  less  observant  of  consequences;  inspired  with 
belly,  and  devoid  of  a  mental  comprehension — just  the 
kind  with  which  to  build  empire,  and  not  over-particu- 
lar about  the  moralities  other  than  a  full  and  hearty 
compliment.  The  prospect  of  gain  outweighed  in 
the  scales  of  duty,  primordal  instinct  drove  its  thirsty 
victim  toward  a  fancied  relief,  and  the  ascending  star 
of  human  energy  hid  its  face  behind  the  fleeting  orbit 
of  darkened  consequence,  with  the  tread  and  trumpet 
of  mercenary  arms. 

Only  one  condition  fairly  stood  between  the  untamed 
minister  and  success : — the  marines  soon  divined  the 
sources  of  their  outing,  and  appeared  friendly;  their 
commander  mistook  his  real  intentions,  and  believed 
him  sincere ;  the  onlookers  applauded  an  old  champion, 
and  rallied  with  enthusiasm: — jealousy  crept  into  the 
American  minister's  heart,  and  the  very  laudations 
of  the  bystanders,  the  rising  confidence  of  Uhlrix  and 
the  suppressed  admiration  of  the  troops  drove  deep 
a  burning  hatred;  which  finally  obliterated  the  slight- 
est taint  of  political  if  not  moral  discretion. 

Finally  as  the  last  launch  discharged  its  cargo  of 
men,  "Three  cheers  for  the  boys  in  blue,"  inadver- 
tently resounded  from  the  tall  buildings  that  studded 
on  three  sides  the  old  historic  square,  and  when  the 
commodore,  himself,  escorted  by  a  sallow  staff  in 
gold  and  braid,  set  foot  on  shore  the  shouting  re- 
doubled and  ceased  only  when  Harvenoiq  pressed  for- 
ward to  greet  and  advise.  Nobody  cared  to  applaud 
him,  and  few  there  were  who  did  not  understand 
in  some  measure  his  flaunted  brusqueness.  They  had 
already  had  enough  of  him:  but  so  soon  as  Bender, 
a  child  of  the  primeval,  followed  and  grasped  the 


134  KAIUOLANI 

outstretched  hand  of  Uhlrix  the  noise  multiplied  unto 
breaking  significantly  upon  the  ears  of  some  at  the 
palace,  who  lingered  and  strove  to  fathom  the  quicken- 
ing mystery. 

"I  am  not  at  all  satisfied  about  this  seeming  dis- 
turbance at  the  water-front  square,"  said  Gutenborj, 
while  occupying  the  central  place  in  a  group  of  in- 
terested men  and  women  summoned  hastily  by  the 
queen  to  discuss  possible  events. 

"It  is  Bender's  work,  you  can  be  sure  of  that,  if 
I  am  permitted  to  say  as  much,"  ventured  Norton, 
who  had  been  recalled  to  explain  the  reason  for  her 
unexpected  appearance. 

"How  could  they  do  such  a  thing?  and  what  has  he 
to  gain  by  soliciting  the  interference  of  foreign  arms?" 
queried  Liliuokolani,  impregnable  in  the  belief  that 
honest  government  however  insignificant  could  but 
command  the  respect  of  nations  as  well  that  of  hon- 
orable men. 

"If  strange  troops  are  landing,  I  have  no  doubt 
it  is  as  a  friendly  escort  to  some  foreign  dignitary, 
who  desires  to  pay  your  highness  some  unusual  and 
formal  respect.  I  can  conceive  of  no  other  reason," 
intercepted  Aokahameha,  utterly  unable  to  fathom  the 
purpose  and  possibilities  of  modern  diplomacy. 

"Don't  be  too  sure  of  that,"  replied  Gutenborj, 
promptly  and  unequivocally.  "I  had  best  communi- 
cate with  Colonel  Young,  immediately.  Is  there  a 
messenger  at  court  whom  I  can  trust?" 

"Pardon  me,  Mr.  Gutenborj,"  said  Kaiuolani,  the 
color  rising  a  little  and  her  pretty  teeth  evincing  a 
determination,  positive  though  respectful;  "I  should 
rather  Aokahameha  endeavored  to  reach  and  direct 


KAIUOLANI  135 

his  own  command.  He  has  at  his  service  at  least  a 
respectable  staff,  and  I  too,  if  a  woman  may  be 
pardoned  for  assuming  a  voice,  should  Hike  personally 
an  interview  with  the  gentleman  and  officer,  whom  you 
mention — if  it  is  possible  for  him  to  be  located  and 
brought  in.  We  may  have  need  for  your  counsel  and 
advice  at  the  palace.  Please  do  the  state  that  service ; 
the  general  may  dislike  to  enforce  a  governmental 
necessity." 

The  up  to  this  time  undefied  merchant  prince  started 
with  surprise.  Interpreting  boldly  and  fairly  the 
gentle  command,  of  one  whom  he  prized  so  tenderly, 
only  a  slight  flush  betrayed  any  pain  at  surrendering, 
and  promptly  the  answer  characteristically  set  at  rest 
all  doubt  as  to  Gutenborj 's  reasonable  position: 

"I  am  pleased  to  obey  the  mandates  of  any  govern- 
ment that  governs." 

"What  is  your  pleasure,  Aokahameha?  Would  you 
advise  that  Mr.  Gutenborj  remain  here,  or  depart  in 
quest  of  your  very  honorable  absentee?"  asked  the 
queen,  in  a  friendly,  half-confident,  and  utterly  sub- 
missive tone. 

"I  have  no  doubt  Mr.  Gutenborj  would  prefer  me 
to  assume  the  responsibility.  With  his  immediate  en- 
lightenment, as  to  the  particular  whereabouts,  I  should 
be  able  to  produce  the  wanted  derelict  very  shortly. 
This  is  a  convenient  place  for  friendly  meetings,  es- 
pecially— under  the  circumstances,"  replied  Aokaha- 
meha, in  a  conciliatory  manner,  though  expectant  of 
a  ready  and  speedy  acquiescence. 

All  eyes  turned  toward  Gutenborj,  who  hesitated 
and  engaged  with  meditating  the  course  of  events  that 
had  brought  him  face  to  face  with  so  delicate  a  situa- 


136  KAIUOLANI 

tion :  one  that  appeared  to  be  tucked  in  on  every  side 
and  hemmed  round  irrevocably.  Presently  the  thought 
flashed  upon  his  slow  but  ponderous  intellect. 

"Too  much  feminimity." 

He  could  see  no  possible  means  of  escape,  how- 
ever, and  all  he  possessed  or  anticipated  depended 
solely  upon  the  principle  (under  which  he  had  pros- 
pered) of  letting  well  enough  alone.  Setting  his  own 
against  the  will  of  others,  except  he  be  in  authority, 
was  beneath  his  theory  of  success  and,  as  of  old,  the 
conclusion  finally  dawned  that  he  had  best  acquiesce 
and  continue  to  support,  where  freedom  permitted, 
trusting  to  good  sense  and  careful  reasoning  to  keep 
within  the  bounds  of  healthy,  effective  security. 

"I  am "  began  the  weighty  reasoner,  in  a  cool, 

convincing  manner. 

"I  demand  it !"  intercepted  Kaiuolani,  emphasizing 
the  order  with  a  resolute  toss  of  the  head  and  gentle 
stamping  upon  the  floor. 

"I  trust  the  good  princess  shall  find  others  as  easily 
subdued,  if  only  during  the  day,"  continued  the  big 
financier,  changing  his  speech  and  smiling  approval, 
while  suppressing  with  effort  a  heartier  response 

"Kaiuolani  is  our  hope,  and  with  the  good  Mr. 
Gutenborj  as  a  guide — I  wish  it  were  possible  for  us 
all  to  be  as  philosophic,"  said  the  queen,  a  rising  sense 
of  cheerfulness  prompting  her  to  speak  feelingly  and 
unreservedly. 

Gutenborj  loved  a  courageous  woman.  Possibly 
his  own  disinclination  to  face  danger,  if  avoidable, 
led  him  to  admire  that  particular  trait  in  the  opposite 
sex.  Hitherto  he  had  looked  upon  the  lively  young 
princess  as  a  petted  child,  tender,  true,  and  lovable, 


KAIUOLANI  137 

withal  destined  to  be  buffeted  about  in  the  harsh  ad- 
justment of  cold,  relentless  affairs.  The  late  assump- 
tion of  forbidden  authority  at  first  shocked  him;  then 
upon  measuring  her  disposition  and  temperament  with 
those  of  the  queen,  and  resolving  the  extent  of  courage 
and  sincerity  of  purpose  underlying  her  unexpected 
stand,  he  could  but  applaud  the  effort,  and  as  well 
lay  his  utmost  in  her  behalf. 

"Floyd  Young  made  no  mistake :  God  bless  him 
for  the  deed,"  subtly  fixed  itself  in  his  roused  sensi- 
bility, while  pressing  forward  to  bestow  upon  Kaiuo- 
lani  that  assurance  which  had  been  withheld  only  too 
long. 

For,  immediately  he  felt  the  warmth  of  her  two 
hands,  the  dull  rumble  of  a  steady  "rub  a  dub  dub" 
and  the  soul  stirring  melody  of  the  fife's  shrill  treble 
burst  strangely  upon  the  vibrant  air  that  cruelly  floated 
in  to  startle  and  stir  those  who  heard  and  surmised. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Liliuokolani  turned  cold  with  pallor,  and  Gutenborj 
paced  the  floor  like  the  caged  lion  he  seemed,  Kaiuo- 
lani  grew  impatient  and  hostile  with  suspense,  and 
only  Aokahameha  tried  as  best  he  could  to  calm  a 
dangerous  and  growing  distrust.  The  rabble  of  mal- 
contents or  the  parade  of  underlings  bore  no  signifi- 
cance to  an  ardent  believer ;  his  command  was  supreme 
and  their  motives  pure — but  the  noise  and  the  con- 
fusion would  not  cease;  the  ambition  of  Harvenoiq 
flamed  and  raged  under  the  quest  of  rapidly  increas- 
ing power. 

He  had  at  last  seen  with  his  own  eyes  the  fighting 
forces  of  pent  up  America,  his  own  belated  and  hard- 
scoffed  country,  land  upon  the  shores  of  a  belligerent 
if  well-meaning  nation.  He  had  foretasted  the  pride 
of  conquest  and  marvelled  the  possibilities  of  a  new 
birth  and  broader  sphere.  All  this  impressed  him, 
and  awakened  within  a  truer  comprehension  of  the 
individual  responsibilities ;  but  the  only  too  potent 
thought  of  sharing  the  glory  with  an  unregenerate, 
an  escaped  culprit  and  traitor  to  all  restraint,  more 
than  outweighed  the  waning  sense  of  an  illy  begotten, 
scantily  developed  understanding.  The  spokesman  of 
a  great  and  trustful  people  floundered  in  the  throes 
of  consequential  duty,  and  thence  found  himself  given 
over  body  and  soul  to  the  wiles  of  a  revengeful,  senile 
mood. 


KAIUOLANI  139 

These  men  were  applauding  another  for  the  enter- 
prise they  had  long  sought;  America,  their  native 
country,  had  for  once  and  for  all  taken  a  hand  in 
the  moulding  of  a  destiny  ardently  hoped ;  his  own 
act  had  set  in  motion  the  machinery  with  which  to 
build;  the  empire  launched,  no  force  within  the  grasp 
of  mere  man  could  stay  its  certain  progress,  the  honor 
of  the  occasion  would  fall  to  the  lot  of  a  hated  ac- 
complice, for  his  fellows  were  keen  to  light  the  fires1 
and  an  absent  constituency  stood  quick  to  applaud 
heroism — whether  false  or  true,  to  lionize  and  up- 
hold. There  must  be  some  devised  means  of  attain- 
ing the  desired  end,  as  to  a  man  they  would  not,  could 
not  release  a  vantage  hold. 

Standing  at  one  side,  well  up  on  the  bank,  free 
and  unmolested,  the  vexed  minister  viewed  with  satis- 
faction the  mixed  faces  that  appeared  only  too  eager 
to  do  homage  and  maintain.  They  should  not  be 
checked  in  their  zeal,  but  an  abounding  sympathy 
were  better  bestowed  where  self  might  relish  the 
plaudits. 

Long  years  of  deprivation  and  hope  had  seared 
the  breast  of  every  Annexationist  with  an  abiding 
faith  in  the  government  which  he  had  left  behind. 
At  home  the  toiling  populace  engaged  itself  with  en- 
couraging, maintaining  and  strengthening  an  edifice 
that  reared  within  the  boundaries  of  a  birth-given 
domain.  The  seed  of  larger  unity  must  germinate 
outside  the  walls  of  a  sacred,  prolific  field  of  sus- 
tenance :  must  take  root  in  the  barren  soil  of  a  rock- 
ridden  wilderness,  fit  only  for  the  habitation  of  as- 
piring renegades,  the  handful  that  always  blaze  the 


140  KAIUOLANI 

way,  cradle  the  song  that  soothes,  uplifts  the  fallen, 
builds  forever  anew. 

The  picture  of  greatness  loomed  before  their 
covetous  brother.  Harvenoiq  could  see  well  the  end. 
These  same  men  who  labored  at  home  would  go  to 
any  extremity  if  their  patriotism  were  but  touched, 
their  loyalty  seemed  in  the  least  questioned.  A 
leader's  name  should  be  toasted  by  every  tongue, 
heralded  as  a  father's,  and  inscribed  upon  the  pages 
of  universal  history. 

It  was  more  than  he  could  bear  to  lose,  and  facing 
the  raniks  Harvenoiq  read  in  that  stalwart  uniform 
and  abundant  equipment  the  means  of  ready  attain- 
ment. 

They  were  men-fashioned  instruments  who  of  ne- 
cessity stood  ready  to  hear  and  eager  to  do  the  bid- 
ding of  a  nation.  No  pride  of  freedom  disturbed  their 
consciences,  no  love  for  kind  stayed  the  primal  blow ; 
the  spurs  that  stimulate  had  never  penetrated  their 
born-servant  skins.  Little  should  they  care  were  the 
whole  earth  to  find  itself  tied  hand  and  head  to  the 
merciless  stake  of  a  tyrant's  driving  so  long  as  they 
might  brush  and  beg.  Here  again  chieftainship  waxed 
supreme,  became  the  sole  important  thing,  as  men  lose 
individuality  only  to  respect  the  more  the  individual. 

Bender  alone  stood  in  the  pathway  of  ultimate  su- 
premacy. 

Momentarily  the  thought  burned  hotly  his  cheeks, 
which  soon  turned  a  livid  white.  He  could  stand  no 
longer  such  treatment.  His  own  neglect  he  might 
have  borne,  but  a  rival's  praise  unnerved  him,  and 
taking  advantage  of  an  official  semblance  the  blunder- 
ing minister  rushed  among  Bender's  admirers, — ut- 


KAIUOLANI  141 

terly  ignoring  the  only  shadow  of  an  excuse  that  he 
might  have  advanced  for  his  own  unwarranted  acts, — 
shouting  authoritatively  to  the  commodore: 

"Arrest  the  leader,  and  disperse  the  mob !" 

Uhlrix  started  with  surprise,  and  looking  round  at 
the  friendly  faces  and  feeling  yet  the  warm  grasp 
of  Bender  spoke  inquiringly : 

"Who  is  the  leader,  of  whom  you  speak,  and  where 
are  the  rioters,  may  I  ask?" 

Harvenoiq  looked  down  whipped  and  irresolute  to 
the  ground  he  maligned.  He  had  never  before  so 
much  as  ventured  an  unborrowed  or  self-suggested 
assertion ;  and  now  that  he  had  blundered  himself  into 
an  inexplicable  and  irrevocable  responsibility  his  whole 
being  resolved  itself  into  one  continuous,  unbroken 
whirl  of  uncertainty.  Presently  his  eyes  rose  appeal- 
ingly  to  the  man  he  would  dislodge.  Possibly  he  may 
have  conjured  the  hope  of  an  up  to  that  time  welcome 
adviser's  grateful  surrender;  more  likely  he  found 
himself  devoid  of  a  single  trait  obligatory  of  inde- 
pendent action :  what  with  expectation  and  failure  dis- 
approbation rent  asunder  the  weak  but  ardent  dream; 
the  accused  answered  adroitly,  and  the  commodore's 
brow  knit  with  vexatious  determination. 

"These  men  are  Americans,"  said  Bender,  "and 
neither  you  nor  I  have  cause  to  question  the  good 
faith  of  this  assemblage  or  to  insult  the  command 
that  would  do  us  justice.  I  deny  you  the  right  to 
dictate ;  an  American  commodore  brooks  no  inter- 
ference. The  disturbance  is  at  the  capitol." 

"Liar!  Deceiver!  I  require —  '  shouted  Har- 
venoiq, unable  further  to  restrain  an  unbridled  temper. 

"Orderly,   arrest   these  men,   and   we   shall   march 


142  KAIUOLANI 

them  forthwith  to  the  seat  of  justice.  Unable  to 
retrace  my  steps,  that  I  am,  I  shall  have  done  a  ser- 
vice in  landing  here  to-day  if  only  to  escort  two 
belligerent  subjects  into  the  hands  of  a  proper  au- 
thority," said  the  commodore,  savagely  cutting  short 
the  hot-headed  minister's  heedless  speech. 

"I  am  an  American  official,  sir,  and  as  such  claim 
superiority,"  remonstrated  Harvenoiq,  without  the 
least  perceptible  effect. 

"I  am  an  American  citizen,  but  must  not  be  seen 
behind  these  ranks.  My  local  duties  deny  me  the 
pleasure  of  so  flagrant  a  spectacle,"  pleaded  Bender, 
no  less  unable  to  gain  the  commodore's  listless  ear. 

"Companies  into  fours,  forward,  marcR !"  awakened 
some  dull  comprehensions  and  gladdened  the  knowing 
ones,  as  lines  of  glistening  carbines  and  a  jovial,  eager 
command  stood  ready  to  wheel  and  tramp,  they  cared" 
not  where,  but  to  the  time  and  tune  of  a  regularly 
cash-paid  corps. 

The  crestfallen  minister  doggedly  pursued  them, 
with  Bender,  mortified  and  expectant,  close  at  his 
guard-watched  elbow.  They  bore  the  predicament  in 
silence,  but  a  waning  hope  vainly  satisfied  the  quicken- 
ing consciousness  of  each.  Only  a  few  minutes  of 
grace  and  their  part  stood  well  to  abide  fairly  the 
prowess  of  a  lone,  unhampered  mother  wit. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

The  rattle  and  peal  of  fife  and  drum  drove  from 
every  source  the  last  lingering  doubt.  Uhlrix  was 
on  the  march,  and  the  shadows  of  intrigue  or  the  un- 
certainty of  authority  bore  no  significance  as  to  final 
results.  He  had  been  tricked  into  landing,  but  once 
on  shore  nothing  short  of  annihilation  could  restrain 
an  orderly  ordering  of  events  that  rose  in  the  pathway 
of  power  or  forestall  the  destiny  an  abused  confidence 
bespoke.  The  marines  were  there  to  do,  not  to  quib- 
ble, and  the  grim-visaged  deeds  of  fate  quickened 
and  multiplied  at  the  progress  of  an  unchallenged 
daring. 

A  dash  and  venture  that  fires  the  pride  of  men, 
no  matter  where  or  what  the  occasion,  had  stood  erect 
every  soldier  and  possessed  the  officers  as  never  be- 
fore. Jack's  bib  and  tucker  seldom  looked  so  tidy, 
and  the  lieutenant's  spare  and  tender  form  wore  neatly 
the  spotless  uniform  that  marked  his  finished  course 
at  school.  For  the  first  time  in  all  their  lives  op- 
portunity had  given  them  a  chance  to  swell  and  banter 
in  the  eyes  of  foreign  lassies. 

From  every  door  step  Hawaii's  fairest  came,  carry- 
ing garlands  of  flowers  and  tokens  of  delight;  these 
boys  off  duty  had  been  their  sweethearts,  their  hope 
since  the  days  of  Cook  and  the  missionaries,  and  now 
that  they  had  come  ashore,  as  true  Hawaiians  be- 
lieved, on  dress  parade  and  kindly  show,  the  girls 
strove  hard  to  outdo  themselves  in  extending  even  a 


144  KAIUOLANI 

heartier  welcome  than  before.  Soon  those  innocent 
children  had  literally  strewn  the  roadstead  with  em- 
blems that  emanate  from  nowhere  except  the  tropical 
seas :  the  boys  relished  the  fun,  and  many  were  the 
friendly  side  glances  bestowed  and  stolen  greetings 
tendered;  Jack  Tar  knew  well  his  finish  and  cherished 
the  contemplation,  regardless  of  higher  consequences. 

But  for  the  rations  he  drew  and  the  smiles  they 
bestowed  life  had  seemed  an  empty  thing  to  him.  Not 
so  with  them.  They  sought  his  love  in  earnest,  re- 
solving anew  the  neglected  lesson  that  all  things  in 
course  of  provision  drive  toward  a  common  level,  an 
unalterable  consequence  of  material  change,  the 
spiritual  end  in  which  necessity  had  wrought  its  in- 
evitable virtue. 

Nor  were  the  fathers  and  the  mothers  less  friendly 
to  a  mistaken  intermingling  of  foreign  sons  and  native 
daughters.  They  had  been  taught  by  the  advance 
guards  of  these  blood-letting  experts — strangely  ef- 
fective, in  view  of  its  contrast  with  the  tenets  of  their 
own  religion — that  sacrifice  and  toil  were  cardinal 
virtues,  and  that  the  simple  and  unostentatious  lives 
their  tradition  taught  them  to  live  were  relics  of  bar- 
barism fit  only  for  the  uninitiated ;  that  the  absence 
of  poverty  in  the  land  offered  no  excuse  for  the  lack 
of  individual  wealth;  that  the  love  for  song  and 
flowers  and  the  inborn  generosity  and  hospitality  of 
the  people  were  effeminate  and  of  no  consequence  in 
the  higher  and  better  life  that  European  civilization 
would  engender. 

Without  the  means  of  judging  or  an  opportunity 
to  compare  and  overshadowed  with  the  display  shown 
or  driven  to  the  terms  exacted  they,  at  last,  like  their 


KAIUOLANI  145 

invaders,  through  sheer  force  of  continuity,  becoming 
dead  to  all  civic  virtue — the  individual  waxed  drunk 
with  blind  appetite. 

The  clouds  rolled  high  above  their  heads  and  from 
content  within  they  conjured  a  freedom  illy  spoken 
in  the  language  of  reality  everywhere  around.  The 
flowers  they  strew  fought  the  elements  for  existence; 
the  song  bird  in  the  tree  top  defended  his  vantage 
point;  the  very  ground  on  which  they  stood  had  for 
ages  struggled  with  the  forces  of  nature  to  retain  its 
place:  should  man  alone  be  favored  with  exemption? 
Only  their  misconception  flattered  the  belief,  for  be- 
hind the  personality,  the  entity  they  knew,  might  rea- 
sonably have  trusted,  lay  the  state,  broader  in  its 
conception,  less  tolerant  of  the  individual  and  more 
dependent  upon  community,  supreme  in  authority  and 
ready  to  destroy  .if  destruction  be  meet. 

Aokahameha,  their  only  hope  and  recognized  leader, 
remained  no  less  oblivious  to  the  storm  that  hung  low 
upon  the  land.  He  had  spent  his  energies  in  trying 
to  convince  the  queen's  assemblage  that  no  danger 
threatened,  but  somehow  his  words  seemed  fraught 
with  misconception;  Liliuokolani  hesitated  between 
doubt  and  fear  until  desperation  drove  her  into  a  con- 
cession that  stung  Gutenborj  to  the  quick. 

"I  am  helpless :  what  would  you,  my  grateful  sub- 
jects?" asked  she,  weary  with  endeavor. 

"Promulgate  the  constitution,"  replied  the  planter 
king,  with  set  jaws  and  determined  look. 

"Where  is  it?"  demanded  the  queen,  wholly  con- 
scious of  somebody's  blundering  attitude,  whether  of- 
ficial or  supporter. 

They  looked   from  one  to  another,   in  amazement 


146  KAIUOLANI 

and  with  chagrin.  In  all  their  patriotic  contentions 
nobody  but  Bender  had  retained  the  presence  of  mind 
to  save  and  hold  intact  that  precious  instrument.  An<£ 
where  might  he  be  ?  Aokahameha  hurriedly  dispatched 
Norton,  the  quickly  released  culprit  and  only  person 
capable  (as  he  had  good  reason  to  believe)  of  reach- 
ing the  decamped  minister  and,  possibly,  influencing 
his  or  its  return.  Gutenborj  was  also  granted  no  less 
a  permission  to  communicate  with  Young  and  as 
promised  present  him  and  his  command  at  court; 
where  Aokahameha  desired  their  immediate  presence, 
but  would  not  concede  the  necessity  for  invoking  war- 
like aid. 

Thence  the  trusted  commander,  with  Ihoas  leaning 
gently  upon  his  arm,  and  the  Guards,  from  the  west 
gate  to  the  palace  door,  resting  contentedly  on  their 
empty  guns,  sauntered  dreamily  into  an  unmolested 
nook  in  the  garden,  there  suffering  and  pondering 
good-naturedly  the  hoped  for  lover's  frank  and  earn- 
est avowals  that  made  plain  and  irrevocably  certain 
his  utter  quandary. 

"But  you  must  love  me,  Ihoas :  can't  you  see  that 
I  am  master?  that  all  eyes  are  turned  toward  me? 
that  my  work  is  done  ?  What  more  could  a  loved  one 
desire?"  pleaded  the  big  patriot,  leaning  back  and  gaz- 
ing fixedly  into  the  tall,  willowy  princess's  downcast 
eyes. 

She  did  not  answer,  and  the  warm  flush  that  crept 
into  her  cheeks  convinced  him  that  in  her  veins  still 
ran  the  blood  of  a  Hawaiian — amiable  and  sweet, 
though  stern  and  truthful.  Aokahameha  paused,  and 
measuring  the  force  of  a  thought  by  the  depth  of 
her  emotion  would  yet  deny  the  privilege  of  refusal. 


KAIUOLANI  147 

The  soft,  still  air  and  close  proximity  with  fancied 
ease  lolled  to  dreaming  the  good  great  man,  who 
believed  the  world  an  ordered  reality  and  all  that  is 
in  it  a  peaceful  heritage;  and  reclining  leisurely  upon 
velvety  woven  pillows,  banked  underneath  gracefully 
drooping  purple  and  pink  tall-growing,  wide-reaching 
ferns,  the  simple  Islander's  dark,  weary  eyes  barely 
opened  to  feast  now  and  again  upon  the  love-vision  that 
soothingly  haunted  him,  forsooth  exacted  only  the 
plaintive,  soul  touching, 

"Aloha." 

The  distant  rumble  and  warning  of  an  approaching 
army  did  not  disturb  his  peaceful  quest.  Ihoas 
breathed  heavily  under  the  influence  of  an  uncontroll- 
able impulse  and  Uhlrix  swept  on  toward  the  goal 
of  a  larger,  simpler  contact.  The  wiles  of  woman  or 
the  charm  of  intrigue  made  no  impression  upon  him; 
they  were  alike  foreign  to  his  office  and  impotent 
under  a  nationalism  that  guaranteed  supremacy. 

America  had  intrusted  those  arms  and  their  wielders 
with  the  protection  of  its  citizens  and  the  guarding 
of  her  interests.  Duty's  thought-throb  impelled  them 
forward ;  the  impetus  of  principle  lay  behind  the  bul- 
wark of  advancement — a  spirit  enlivening  the  step 
and  quickening  the  conscience  to  blindest  deeds  of 
heroism  and  the  only  lift  to  greatness  the  ages  yet 
had  marshalled. 

Along  these  lines  they  progressed,  it  mattered  not 
so  much  to  where  or  how ;  the  reason — well ;  there 
seemed,  this  time,  but  slight  excuse — grew  out  of  the 
inevitable,  and  consequences  more  than  justified  the 
sacrifice ;  Uhlrix  would  not  have  missed  that  ride  from 


i48  KAIUOLANI 

the  water  front  thence  for  all  else  a  true  officer  courts, 
and  the  horse  on  which  he  charged  outdid  itself  to 
merit  the  color  borne  and  uphold  a  well-known  tradi- 
tion of  the  state  whence  he  came. 

The  warring  hosts  of  an  unhampered  invader  made 
bold  their  advance,  and  the  very  elements  lent  as- 
sistance to  the  awe-inspiring  scene:  to  the  resolving 
of  an  inconsequential  movement  into  a  calamity 
fraught  with  world-wide  effect.  The  half  of  those 
who  lay  within  reach  of  battle's  weal  could  not,  would 
not,  rouse  from  the  lethargy  of  an  inborn  belief;  the 
remainder  hearkened  the  call  with  indecision,  became 
confused  at  the  thrust  and  the  take  that  clear  the 
way  to  ultimate  if  tardy  sodality. 

Kaiuolani's  heart  alone  throbbed  with  life,  grew 
impatient  at  the  delay  of  those  upon  whom  she  de- 
pended, and  waged  war  within  herself  or  tolerated 
the  abuse  of  others  whose  only  interest  waxed  strong 
with  personal  desire.  For  once  her  coterie  of  lovers 
and  adherents  had  dissipated,  with  the  sole  exception 
of  Elmsford;  who,  taking  advantage  of  the  only  op- 
portunity fate  had  given,  sought  to  impress  the  sorely 
coveted  princess  with  his  much  neglected  importance 
as  well  as  conjured  usefulness. 

They  were  sitting  in  the  cover  of  an  alcove  in  the 
great  Blue  Room,  where  Sir  Charles  had  intention- 
ally left  his  daughter  to  the  homely  Britisher's  care, 
while  he  himself  joined  Gutenborj  in  a  last  consulta- 
tion with  the  queen,  prior  to  the  planter's  final  with- 
drawal ;  presumably  in  search  of  the  missing  division 
of  a  sadly  depleted  army. 

No  base  or  petty  contentions  disturbed  them.  The 
remaining  auditors  were  scattered  here  and  there 


KAIUOLANI  149 

around,  in  close  communion;  they  neither  sought  nor 
chose  to  intrude. 

Elmsford  broke  the  somewhat  lengthy  silence  that 
ensued  by  asking,  candidly: 

"What  are  you  thinking  about,  Kaiuolani?" 

"The  future,  of  course,"  replied  she,  with  a  long- 
drawn,  carelessly-heeded  accent. 

"I  wish  that  I  might  share  it,"  ventured  he,  dili- 
gently expectant. 

"The  thought,  or  the  future?"  queried  the  open- 
minded  princess,  calmly,  and  without  manifesting  the 
least  concern  about  discretion. 

"Just  as  you  prefer,  lady  beautiful,"  replied  the 
artist  manager,  so  quickly  and  earnestly  as  to  impress 
deeply  his  listener. 

"I  should  think  that  Ihoas  had  best  be  arbiter," 
suggested  Kaiuolani,  a  knowing  smile  the  while 
brightening  her  apparently  vexed  countenance. 

The  color  rose  to  the  ruddy  Englishman's  face;  he 
had  not  taken  into  consideration  the  chief  lady  in 
waiting's  bearing ;  neither  her  likes  nor  dislikes ;  did 
not  understand  that  his  demeanor  had  given  occasion 
for  any  such  confusing  of  interests  or  sentiments. 
He  could  not,  however,  recall  that  he  had  openly  de- 
nied Ihoas  the  privilege  of  pressing  an  inclination, 
hence  the  reasonableness  of  Kaiuolani's  presumption: 
the  thought,  therefore,  very  reluctantly  but  forcibly 
dawned  that  he  had  best  not  disabuse  the  latter's 
mind,  as  her  present  enlightenment  might  tend  ulti- 
mately to  thwart  his  real  purpose. 

"I  fear  both  of  you  shall  have  need  for  my  protec- 
tion if  not  affection  before  nightfall:  I  would  not 


150  KAIUOLANI 

so  much  as  presume  partiality,"  replied  Elmsford, 
rather  more  sure  than  hopeful  of  a  footing. 

"Are  you  not  alarmed  at  such  prodigality?  Really, 
it  is  not  becoming,"  retorted  Kaiuolani,  a  little  pro- 
voked at  the  possible  need  for  his  assumption. 

"It  is  English,  though." 

"What  of  that?" 

"Ah — I  say — really,  you  amaze  me!" 

"I  shall  probably  do  more  than  that  before  your 
dull  comprehension  concedes  less  than  a  woman's 
disparity." 

The  straight,  out  and  out,  cast  in  the  die,  believer 
in  and  practitioner  of  male  superiority  adjusted  his 
one  eyeglass  and  looked  blankly  at  the  sole  personage 
of  his  acquaintance  who  dared  voice  her  entity  in 
the  very  presence  of  man.  Elmsford  was  shocked. 
He  had  never  before  met  with  such  audacity  in  woman, 
outside  the  few  chance  Americans  it  had  been  his 
good  fortune  to  meet.  Where  the  princess  could  have 
imbibed  such  thoughts,  found  the  courage  to  ques- 
tion a  suitor's  role,  was  more  than  he  should  under- 
take to  guess.  That  she,  a  woman,  born  and  reared 
to  the  code,  might  assert  an  independent  personality 
opened  wide  his  mouth,  and  with  bowing  stiffly  at 
her  rising  and  withdrawal  the  wounded  Britisher 
mumbled  inaudibly  but  bitterly : 

"Oh ;  these  blasted  Americans :  they  shall  yet  poison 
the  minds  and  shrivel  the  hearts  of  all  womankind!" 

Elmsford  was  in  love,  however,  and  he  did  not 
propose  to  yield  the  advantages  of  a  convenient  mar- 
riage, even  at  the  cost  of  changing  face,  however 
inexorable.  Living  beyond  the  pale  of  etiquette  for 
so  long  a  time,  only  sentiment  and  not  form  grated 


KAIUOLANI  151 

upon  his  inborn  sense  of  propriety:  the  level,  if  must 
be,  of  the  New  World's  profanity  need  not  follow  be- 
yond the  limits  of  a  woer's  exigencies. 

The  fruitage,  too,  already  seemed  the  more  in- 
viting for  its  plucking;  a  deliciousness  quite  without 
the  reach  of  antiquated  taste  inspired  the  thought; 
necessity  laid  bare  the  hard-beaten  track  of  advance- 
ment :  to  win,  the  determined  suitor  must  relegate 
and  adapt,  buckle  on  the  armor  of  to-day,  plunge  into 
the  world  alive  to  the  new  and  dead  to  the  old,  his 
face  bright,  purpose  triumphant,  and  action  as  free, 
as  bold,  and  as  untrammeled  as  is  the  spirit  that 
moves — comes  no  man  knows  whence,  yet  resolves 
the  endless  trend  and  tramp  of  time. 

"I  am  no  longer  a  slave,"  said  he,  as  he  hustled 
forward,  begging  the  retiring  princess  to  heed  a  de- 
termined future. 

"That  is  pleasing:  I  might  say  encouraging,"  re- 
plied Kaiuolani  with  a  careless,  harmless  tilt  of  the 
head. 

"What  care  I  for  empty  forms,"  urged  the  livened 
enthusiast,  dashing  a  prized  eyeglass  into  fragments 
on  the  floor.  These  fixings  and  such  trumpery  are 
but  a  handicap :  I  am  going  to  prove  myself  a  man. 
Give  me  only  a  chance." 

The  opportunity  soon  came — burst  upon  him  before 
he  had  fairly  assumed  the  part  of  combatant;  but 
Elmsford  proved  more  than  equal,  as  compared  with 
Aokahameha  who  bandied  aimlessly  with  chance. 

"I  am  content"  became  his  watchword,  as  it  had 
been,  always,  the  people's  ruling  passion ;  and  at  the 
arrival  of  couriers  bearing  the  news  of  Uhlrix's  ad- 
vance their  commander  in  chief  waved  them  aside 


1 52  KAIUOLANI 

with  the  vain  assurance  that  peace  and  not  war  leads 
to  ultimate  glory. 

Aokahameha  looked  into  the  vast  unrealized  every- 
where around  then  whispered  contentedly: 

"Let  me  lie  here  communing ;  the  god  instinct  holds ; 
immortality  possesses,  and  love  adjures  a  fellowship 
with  deeds  grander,  thoughts  purer  than  the  con- 
quest of  all  arms  ever  yet  attained." 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

The  palace  housed  securely  its  fate.  Liliuokolani 
faltered  in  the  midst  of  a  confusion  utterly  beyond 
her  control,  much  less  understanding;  only  Kaiuolani 
was  left  to  counsel  courage  or  excuse  neglect,  and 
the  more  earnest  her  admonitions  the  less  effective 
the  appeal,  falling  like  cold  shot  upon  a  hardened 
conscience. 

Gutenborj  had  faithfully  promised  the  Rifles's  un- 
swerving stand  for  established  law  and  universal  order, 
and  Aokahameha's  complacency  still  bore  a  misty  sig- 
nificance ;  yet  with  each  distant  drumbeat  the  princess 
grew  impatient:  in  some  mysterious,  forceful  way 
impressed  the  queen ;  who,  when  the  last  counsel  had 
departed,  crossed  the  room  and  looked  out  at  the 
beautiful  land  she  knew  of  right  was  theirs,  behold- 
ing in  the  foreground  yet  a  loitering  band  of  unmar- 
shalled  Guards,  the  only  defense  she  could  trust. 

"I  wish  I  had  placed  myself  at  the  front ;  which, 
after  all,  is  the  sole  support  of  royalty  and  only  ef- 
fective hope  of  individualism,"  said  she,  half  meditat- 
ing, the  curious  princess  staring  the  while  blankly  in 
her  face. 

"Never  mind,  aunty ;  the  constitution  may  soon  be 
here,  and  if  not  I  shall  bring  it:  then  you  shall  pro- 
claim the  law.  That  will  put  an  end  to  all  our  trou- 
bles," promised  Kaiuolani,  encouragingly,  a  secret 
thought  rising  to  kindle  determination  and  light  the 
fires  of  constructive  energy. 


154  KAIUOLANI 

"There  can  be  no  end,  dear  child,  until  the  con- 
flict is  over — and  it  shall  wage  until  one  or  the  other 
is  submerged;  there  is  no  crossing  of  civilizations. 
Once  the  channels  merge  the  lesser  stream  must  yield 
its  course:  the  walls  should  have  been  repaired  be- 
fore the  breach  grew  hopeless — the  constitution  will 
never  reach  my  hand,"  sighed  the  queen,  her  heart 
torn,  to  bleeding,  with  regret. 

"Oh,  yes;  it  shall.  Norton  is  clever,  and — well, 
I  may  not  have  been  heard  from,  as  yet,"  replied 
Kaiuolani,  the  red  blood  showing  in  her  face. 

"The  fruits  of  cleverness  are  but  for  those  who 
indulge  them.  Your  security  and  my  fate  abide  a 
loftier  aim;  and,  you  are  only  a  woman — Who  is 
yonder  courier?  What  is  the  commotion?  Look, 
Kaiuolani;  the  troops  are  moving!" 

"It  is  Norton:  the  Guards  load:  they  fire!"  cried 
the  princess,  as  •  she  sprang  back  from  the  window 
and  ran  toward  the  stairs. 

Norton  had  returned. 

Upon  leaving  the  palace  she  had  gone  direct  to 
Bender's  quarters,  finding  there  only  Ah  Mia,  cowered 
in  a  corner,  waiting  and  meditating  with  stoic  in- 
difference. Said  he  consolingly  and  with  distress, 
after  a  while,  having  been  moved  temporarily  to  rouse 
from  a  prolonged  stupor: 

"Ah  Mia  pay  cash :  no  catchee  opium  law.  Blender 
no  fetchee  constitution ;  makee  new  glovernment ;  Cole 
heap  much  plesident.  Melican  minister  big  fliend: 
Chinaman  no  ledress." 

Comprehensive  and  elusive,  Norton  elicited  from  the 
abused  Oriental  further  the  advice  that  Cole  held 
himself  ready  at  the  chamber  of  commerce  rooms, 


KAIUOLANI  155  - 

while  Varnum  meandered  between  that  place  and  Ben- 
der; who  marched,  as  her  informant  believed,  with 
authority,  and  in  company  with  the  supposed  friend, 
at  the  very  head  and  front  of  the  marines,  carrying 
in  his  own  hand  the  much  abused  but  sorely  coveted 
document. 

Without  further  ado  the  by  this  time  thoroughly 
aroused  woman  re-entered  her  carriage  and  drove 
directly  to  the  chamber  of  commerce  building. 

"What  in  heaven's  name  are  you  doing  here,  man?" 
demanded  she,  of  the  startled  Cole,  having  burst 
in,  unexpectedly  and  unbidden. 

"Oh !  my  good  Norton ;  you  came  very  near  start- 
ing my  back — you  see,  I  have  been  under — 

"Instructions,   I   presume;   but,   what's   doing?" 

"Haven't  done  anything,  as  yet,  except  to  organ- 

"And  what  are  you  going  to  do?" 

"Whatever  Bender  suggests ;  Varnum  says  that's 
the  best  way  out,  now  the  thing's  done." 

"And  where  is  Bender?" 

"Why,  bless  you,  haven't  you  heard?  He's  just  now 
in  charge  of  the  marines.  They're  on  the  way  to 
the  capitol :  Varnum  says  Harvenoiq's  going  to  raise 
the  flag.  A  great  day,  this,  Norton." 

The  wily  messenger  cut  short  her  stay  there,  and 
gathering  Isaacs — by  chance  an  opportune  caller — 
into  the  carriage  hastened  toward  the  front. 

"Vat  for  you  mix  me  und  der  marines?  I  haf 
droubles  already  enough,"  protested  he,  as  she 
dragged  him  along. 

"Never  mind  the  trouble;  it's  your  pocketbook  that 


.  156  KAIUOLANI 

I  shall  need,"  replied  she,  unmindful  of  the  Jew's 
contemptible  plea. 

"Got  in  himmel,  Norron ;  take  mine  bloot,  but  spare 
der  pocketbook !" 

"Down,  dog!"  snarled  his  impatient  drag,  throwing 
open  the  door,  as  they  wheeled  past  the  ranks  and 
neared  the  lead,  where  Harvenoiq  and  Bender  still 
trudged  and  planned  or  quarrelled  their  way  long. 

"Stop!"  yelled  she,  to  the  driver, — a  native  mal- 
content,— as  he  swung  into  the  lines,  running  Har- 
venoiq nearly  down,  startling  Bender  into  surprise, 
and  bolting  a  good-sized  panic  all  round. 

"Take  this !  and  give  me  the  constitution,"  demanded 
Norton,  in  threatening  undertones,  as  she  leaped  to 
the  ground  and  in  the  confusion  thrust  Isaacs  hard 
upon  Bender. 

The  speech-stricken  minister  of  finance  feigned  in- 
nocence. 

"You  have  it  in  your  hand:  I  want  it,"  scowled 
she,  unmindful  of  his  predicament. 

Bender  growled  disapproval. 

"I  am  from  the  palace — Kaiuolani  is  sponsor,"  urged 
her  ladyship,  now  doubting  the  potency  of  a  threat. 
His  frown  vanished;  an  idea  moved  him. 

"Better  think  well;  it's —  "  began  she,  more  hope- 
fully. 

"Take  the  laidy,  too,"  shouted  the  busy  lieutenant, 
who  had  now  successfully  apprehended  both  Isaacs 
and  the  unruly  driver. 

"You  are  a  blackguard  and  a  bully,"  screamed  the 
editress,  snapping  her  fingers  in  the  strident  man's 
sallow-complexioned  face. 

"Make  way  for  the  commodore,"  urged  a  burly  es- 


KAIUOLANI  157 

cort,   the   while   reining   forward   a  plunging,  halting 
mount. 

"Hie,  yeo;  do  my  eyes  deceive  me?  Is  it  a  lady 
you  would  accost  ?  Attention  marines ;  fall  back  on 
your  lines;  salute — make  way  with  your  nonsense; 
cut  it ;  duck — every  one  of  you ;  can't  you  see  it's 
I?"  roared  the  pompous  commodore,  as  he  rode  his 
ponderous  horse  steadily  into  their  midst. 

"I  don't  believe  I  have  the  honor — madam,  may 
I  have  the  pleasure — confound  it !  Is  there  no  one 
here  to  introduce  me?  Fall  to;  relieve  your  com- 
mander ;  the  mount — gaping  idiots !"  gasped  the  badly 
winded  American,  swinging  a  dapper  boot  and  daintly 
proportioned  leg  snappily  to  the  ground. 

"I  am  Miss  Norton,  the  queen's  special  messenger." 

"Commodore  Uhlrix,  in  command  of  the  Pacific 
squadron,  by  grace  of  her  majesty  a  visitor  in  the 
harbor  and — d — n  me  (aside) — with  due  respect  a 
conservator  of  the — peace  and  content — throughout — 
the  land.  This  is  indeed  an  unexpected  pleasure.  I 
trust  I  may  be  permitted— 

"To  serve.     Most  agreeably— 

"You  have  but  to  mention  a  wish.  I  should  be 
only  too  happy — 

"This  man  (indicating  Bender)  has  purloined  the 
only  draft  of  her  majesty's  proposed  new  constitution. 
He  has  it  now :  please  compel  its  surrender." 

"What?  A  constitution?  I  am  shocked.  Stand 
to,  ready  marines ;  double  up  the  guard  watch ;  march 
the  culprit  hence  in  haste ;  deliver  the  priceless  charge 
anent  the  throne." 

Norton  dodged  behind  the  carriage,  and  in  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye  emerged  beyond  the  lines :  the 


158  KAIUOLANI 

commodore  blurted  away,  confusedly,  then  turned  to 
pursue  a  deep-intentioned  friendliness — his  fair  visi- 
tor had  flown ;  no  one  around  cared,  or  would  raise 
a  hand  to  prevent  her  going:  pertinacity  seemed  to 
merit  the  indignation,  and  turning  upon  his  tormenters, 
the  beaten  gallant  hissed  reproachfully: 

"A  spy !" 

No  one  answered:  Isaacs  trembled. 

"Who  is  the  Jew?  An  escort?"  demanded  Uhlrix, 
his  stub  legs  scarcely  trudging  the  huge  corpus  that 
now  writhed  in  distress. 

"Bray,  sir,  belief  me ;  I  am  an  unwilling  auditor," 
humbly  pleaded  the  sorely  conscious  Isaacs. 

"A  hostage,  you  are.  And  a  healthy  one,  too;  the 
look  of  you  betrays  somebody's  proper  reimbursement. 
Shackle  him,  lieutenant,  and  send  scouts  after  the 
spy.  Uhlrix  is  an  American,  every  inch  a  democrat.'' 

The  scouts,  as  it  were,  did  not  pursue  their  quest 
beyond  an  entrance  to  the  first  saloon.  Norton  had 
spied  them,  nevertheless,  and  redoubling  the  speed 
soon  landed  safely,  but  sorely  tried  within  reaching 
distance  of  the  palace  guard  lines.  Here  she  paused 
for  reflection.  The  drumbeats  grew  louder;  the  ma- 
rines were  close  at  hand :  time  were  a  boon,  but  intui- 
tion served  better  the  necessities ;  grappling  with  fate, 
her  conscience  by  eagerness,  Norton  ran,  with  tatters 
flying,  into  the  midst  of  an  only  defense,  screaming: 

"To  your  arms;  make  haste;  the  palace  is  endan- 
gered !" 

Aokahameha,  their  sole  trust,  unmindful  of  the 
timely  warning,  headless  of  decisive  opportunity,  care- 
less of  a  nation's  destiny,  turned  from  duty,  ignored 


KAIUOLANI  159 

the  call  and  eschewed  privilege  to  coddle  the  spirit 
that  bound  him  slave. 

"Can't  you  love  me,  Ihoas?  give  me  some  little 
encouragement  ?  brighten  with  only  a  smile  the  tedium 
of  living?  It  is  so  little  to  give,  yet  all  the  world  to  me. 
Answer,  Ihoas;  my  hereafter  depends  upon  it," 
pleaded  he,  over  drunk  even  to  the  dregs. 

Ihoas's  head  drooped  and  her  face  flushed;  she 
could  neither  answer  nor  comprehend,  only  whis- 
pered : 

"So  little  to  give!" 

Could  this  man  whom  she  had  hoped  to  reconcile 
to  a  serviceable,  more  befitting  love — might  share  the 
throne — prize  so  much  a  thing  deemed  of  so  little 
consequence?  The  answer  that  he  would  have  must 
crush  her  hope,  and  if  mortality  be  the  end,  why  the 
sacrifice  ? 

"I  am  unworthy  the  repose.  Do  you  not  discern 
the  inevitable?  Everywhere  around,  stalwart  mei? 
await  you :  hearken  the  voice  of  a  leader.  See  !  'i'hey 
are  already  tauntingly  pressed;  shot  and  laughter  rent 
the  air.  Rise,  Aokahameha,  and  bid  defiance  to  con- 
science." 

"Let  them  shoot,"  replied  the  heedless  general ;  "I 
lie  content  till  Ihoas  speaks." 


CHAPTER  XX. 

The  marines  pressed  hard  at  the  gate. 

"Halt !"  shouted  Aokahameha,  rising  upon  his  elbow 
to  confront  the  courier  who  had  advanced  unmolested 
close  to  the  palace  doors. 

"I  demand  your  immediate  surrender,"  replied  the 
intruder,  half  sarcastically,  half  in  earnest. 

"Whose  surrender?"  interceded  Ihoas,  while 
Aokahameha  barely  changed  to  a  less  comfortable  posi- 
tion on  the  bench. 

The  nonplussed  messenger  made  no  reply;  just 
whom  he  sought  or  where  to  begin  had  not  dawned 
upon  Uhlrix's  mind,  much  less  had  it  occurred  to  the 
aid  who  carried  his  dispatch. 

"Who  dares  so  boldly?"  ventured  Ihoas,  after  a 
while,  cutting  short  the  pause  that  ensued. 

"America,"  knowingly  replied  the  lackey. 

"Charge!"  shouted  Aokahameha,  turning  to  face 
the  Guards,  before  either  one  speaking  had  recovered 
the  shock;  which,  seemingly,  affected  both  alike. 

Instantly  the  glad  soldiery  wheeled  to,  a  thousand 
deadly  cartridges  dropped  into  place,  and  as  many 
rifles  leveled  in  the  face  of  a  halting,  mystified  foe. 

Ihoas  arose,  imploring  wildly : 

"To  battle,  Aokahameha ;  Kaiuolani  is  the  prize !" 

Terror  seized  the  over-conscious  man  and  running 
forward  he  would  have  ordered  a  cessation,  but  his 
voice  failed  him :  the  wild  gesticulations  of  a  frightened 


KAIUOLANI  161 

leader  only  encouraged  the  more  the  determined  ranks, 
whereat  a  wicked  report  from  two  solid  columns  rang 
out  defiance,  echoed  the  warning  its  trained,  undaunted 
purpose  bespoke. 

The  Americans  wavered.  The  charge  had  come 
unexpectedly,  and  their  broken  lines  needs  must  have 
faltered  had  not  an  undaunted  leader  rallied  and  held 
them  face  to  face  with  danger. 

Uhlrix  astride  his  heavy  horse  galloped  to  the  fore, 
and  lifting  in  the  stirrups,  his  harsh,  nasal  voice  heard 
above  the  din  of  tumult,  shouted: 

"Fire!" 

Their  aim  proved  deadly.  The  havoc  wrought  was 
more  than  he  had  expected.  An  organized  front  broke 
into  scattering  fragments  and  daring  men  ran  to 
shelter.  Aokahameha  fell  among  the  first,  bleeding 
at  Ihoas's  feet.  The  startled  princess  threw  herself 
over  him,  calling  loudly : 

"Courage,  Aokahameha;  Ihoas  speaks/' 

But  the  proud  man  was  past  heeding, — even  a 
cherished  hope, — and  lay  helpless  upon  the  ground. 
The  Guards  ran  hither  and  thither,  trembling  with 
disaster.  The  marines  advanced  upon  the  capitol, 
clearing  and  slashing  the  way  with  carbine  and  saber ; 
and  with  driving  the  enemy  and  surrounding  the  build- 
ing an  ominous  silence  overcast  the  place.  High  above 
them  drooped  and  fluttered  the  cross  and  bars,  waving 
to  the  world  its  innocent  grace  and  sacred  claims. 
Harvenoiq  spied  it. 

Still  'standing  prisoner  beneath  the  folds  of  his 
own — a  flag  that  he  would  do  honor,  yet  suffer  to 
degrade — the  fain  diplomat  cogitated  with  Bender  the 
best  means  of  escape  or  pandered  self  with  the  pos- 


162  KAIUOLANI 

sibility  of  unheard-of  rehabilitation.  The  flag  cord 
stood  wound  securely  within  reach;  the  crafty  Isaacs 
now  displayed  round  his  shoulders  the  significant  stars 
and  stripes ;  Harvenoiq  breathed  intently ;  temptation 
mastered,  and  grasping  the  unthwarted  emblem  the 
ready  reckoner  made  it  fast,  loosened  the  cord  and — 
as  the  one  lowered  the  other  rose,  striking  terror  into 
the  hearts  of  a  friendly  people,  raising  enthusiasm 
among  his  own,  to  the  point  of  tolerance — signalled 
the  outcome  that  none  but  he  had  dared  design. 

The  retreating  Guards  halted  and  gazed,  breath- 
less and  expectant  amid  the  sacred  grounds  in  front 
of  the  queen's  palace.  The  marines  drew  up  in  order 
round  the  capitol  building.  Not  a  word  escaped.  All 
eyes  turned  toward  the  flags.  A  chance  whirlwind 
entangled  them  and  Harvenoiq  tugged  at  the  rope, 
but  could  raise  the  one  nor  lower  the  other  hardly  an 
inch.  Providence  had  decreed  the  flight  of  empire 
and  all  the  powers  of  earth  could  not  raise  the  em- 
bargo nor  broaden  those  bounds  beyond  the  bare 
limit  of  conquest's  idle  fruitage. 

Nor  was  the  trophy  to  be  won  without  an  essential 
cost.  Twice  the  little  flag  fluttered  free  in  the  skies. 
No  common  man  appeared  able  to  check  or  advance 
its  beneficent  inspiration ;  all  sweltered  blind  in  stupid 
lowness — but  again  the  faithful,  star-voiced  standard 
waved  loose  from  the  unthinking,  feeling-bereft  mon- 
ster that  would  gorge  serene  on  plundered  plenty,  and 
open-mouthed  men  started  amazed  at  an  only  call — 
rising  as  of  old  from  the  deep  unfathomable,  claiming 
recognition,  rousing  energy,  signalling  the  goal. 

Kaiuolani  dashed  into  their  midst, — Ipo  snorting  and 
foaming, — her  corded  cap,  tasseled  boots,  and 


KAIUOLANI  163 

legginged  uniform  afresh  and  scabbard  dangling:  the 
stilled  environs  livened  with  valor  and  torn  breasts 
breathed  anew  the  spirit  that  survives,  as  she  charged 
up  and  down  a  rapidly  reorganizing  front,  shouting: 

"Rally,  comrades ;  Kaiuolani  leads !" 

They  did  recover;  and  with  one  sharp,  decisive  ad- 
vance hurled  the  marines,  Uhlrix,  his  pensioners  and 
all,  back  upon  adjoining  streets,  bleeding  and  torn 
and  overcome. 

Kaiuolani,  fired  and  foremost,  ran  toward  the  flag- 
staff. A  swarthy  Guard  hauled  aloft  the  emblem  of 
their  country :  the  stars  and  stripes  swung  low,  and 
the  proud  princess  rising  in  the  saddle  and  brandish- 
ing her  sword  whipped  the  hated  rag  into  shreds  at 
their  feet. 

"Long  live  the  princess,"  rang  out  in  chorus  from 
a  myriad  hoarse  throats,  scarcely  failing  the  hushed, 
hard  suspense,  till  their  leader  turned  to  meet  and 
face  a  more  painful,  deadlier  conflict. 

Young  and  the  Rifles  had  come,  and  with  fixed 
bayonets  and  double  step  bore  down  upon  the  rear. 

The  march  had  been  continuous  and  the  distance 
great,  but  the  new  and  untried  were  eager  for  a  chance 
and  their  commander  waxed  hot  with  revenge. 

Norton  had  convinced  him. 

Having  misled  Uhlrix  and  stirred  the  Guards  to 
ill-advised  action,  she,  close  pursued  and  eager,  made 
good  her  disappearance  and  drove  away  to  meet  and 
surcharge  the  Rifles ;  arriving  scarcely  Gutenborj  had 
reached  and  directed  their  reasonable  necessities. 

"But,  I  tell  you,  you  are  misinformed;  or,  perhaps, 
not  at  all  aware  of  recent  developments,"  urged  Norton, 
to  the  surprised  planter,  with  emphasis,  in  a  last  en- 


164  KAIUOLANI 

deavor  to  convince  Young,  the  three  having  met  in 
hasty  consultation. 

"I  understand  the  situation  perfectly:  all  that  we 
require  is  a  safe,  sound  and  conservative  management 
of  the  Rifles — the  queen  is  spokesman,"  replied  he, 
quite  positive  and  not  the  least  argumentative. 

"She  is  a  prisoner  and  a  back  number,  this  very 
minute,"  declared  their  unsought  informant,  with 
crafty  vehemence. 

"What?"  queried  they,  in  breathless  unison. 

"The  palace  is  surrounded,  and  Kaiuolani  is 
chief- 

"That  is  false!  If  there  is  any  such  disturbance  at 
the  palace,  depend  upon  what  I  say:  Bender  is  at 
the  bottom  of  it,"  interposed  Young,  unable  to  bear 
the  contemplated  accusation,  particularly  as  he  him- 
self had  encountered  the  two — both  Bender  and  Kaiuo- 
lani— keeping  close  company,  while  riding  on  the 
avenue,  earlier  in  the  day. 

"He  may  be  a  close  counsellor :  I  shouldn't  under- 
take to  venture  less,  though  I  have  no  very  apparent 
reason  for  predicting  as  much:  you  may  know  more 
about  that  than  I  do,"  replied  Norton,  her  eyes  riveted 
hard  upon  Young's  reddening  face. 

Gutenborj  weakened, — the  possibilities  were  more 
than  he  could  risk, — saying  in  compromising  tones, 
to  Young  only,  having  ignored  Norton  entirely: 

"Possibly  we  had  best  hold  the  Rifles  in  check 
until  better  advised.  Let  us  keep  our  hands  clean; 
Bender  may  be  on  top;  I  understand  Uhlrix  is  sus- 
ceptible— the  marines  are  invincible :  our  interests " 

"Hold,  man !"  interrupted  Young  unable  longer  to 


KAIUOLANI  165 

restrain  his  feelings.  "Would  you  place  property 
above  life,  sacrifice  honor  to  save  dollars?" 

"Order  is  my  religion;  the  laws  subserve  best  who 
the  powers  heed  most,"  answered  the  shrewd  financier, 
with  characteristic  confidence. 

"Fain  reason  never  won  fair  laurel.  Policy  de- 
grades :  patriotism  uplifts — go  your  way :  Floyd  Young 
shall  do  his  part  in  deeds  that  ring  true,"  replied  the 
younger  man,  with  a  vigor  that  convinced;  thereat, 
leaping  astride  his  horse  and  flashing  the  steel  that 
welds,  shouted: 

"Forward,  march !" 

Both  Gutenborj  and  Norton  did  go  their  way,  and 
the  Rifles  doubly  quickened  toward  the  palace ;  Young's 
indignation  grew  with  each  recurring  memory ;  the 
distant  crack  and  rumble  of  musketry  hardened  con- 
science, and  barely  the  Guards  recovered  their  front 
Kaiuolani  met  face  to  face  her  old-time  champion. 

Their  eyes  flashed  determination.  The  one  flamed 
and  encouraged  with  the  glow  of  success:  the  other 
measuring  well  the  consequences  of  a  mistaken  con- 
duct— how  could  they  but  alter  the  progress  and 
change  the  course  of  a  conflict  in  which  they  waged? 

"Lay  down  your  arms,  Kaiuolani,  and  heed  a  more 
befitting  usefulness,"  said  Young,  calmly,  having  meas- 
ured well,  as  he  took  it,  the  probable  outcome  of  a 
conflict. 

"Then  lay  down  yours,  or  prove  the  right  to  chal- 
lenge," replied  the  princess,  wholly  unmindful  of  any 
possible  inequality. 

Kaiuolani  met  her  lover's  gaze  without  a  tremor; 
he  flushed  and  hesitated, — the  supreme  test  had  come, 


166  KAIUOLANI 

— then  recovering  turned  to  his  command  and  ordered 
them  advance  with  bayonets  fixed. 

Wheeling  round  and  facing  her  men,  Kaiuolani 
shouted : 

''Charge,  Guards ;  your  princess  leads !" 

They  fired,  and  the  battle  raged  anew. 

Twice  the  sturdy  patriots  forced  the  hungry  on- 
comers  hard  upon  their  reserves,  but  each  time  those 
careless  hirelings  heeded  a  master's  call  and  rallying 
forced  admittance  beyond  the  gates.  But  the  Guards 
stood  upon  principle,  and  the  voice  of  a  princess 
brooked  no  retreat — the  marines  once  again  came  into 
sight!  they  pressed  forward  in  the  distance! 

"Trapped?"  whispered  the  princess,  half  audibly — 
"No,  no ;  not  I ;  never  these  men — on  with  the  battle ! 
forward  the  lines !"  cried  she,  charging  fearlessly 
ahead,  her  voice  ringing  triumph  in  the  ears  of  those 
she  trusted,  striking  terror  to  the  hearts  of  a  ruthless 
foe. 

The  ground  she  gained  ran  red  with  blood;  the 
moans  of  the  fallen,  the  ghastly  heaps  of  dead  and 
dying  did  not  stop  them;  Kaiuolani  knew  no  halting 
short  of  a  queen's  deliverance,  her  country's  salva- 
tion. She  urged  and  directed:  Young  rallied  and 
implored — but  personal  interests  pitted  against  national 
valor  proved  a  hopeless  task:  the  Rifles  weakened, 
became  panic-stricken,  and  the  onrushing  Guards 
swept  over  them  like  a  storm  trampling  the  heavens. 

The  queen  sat  there,  in  her  room,  throughout  it 
all,  stoic  and  indifferent.  The  destiny  of  her  cares 
had  passed  into  other  hands;  the  hopes  and  aims  of 
a  lifetime  trembled  in  the  balance;  the  aspirations  of 
generations  seemed  crushed  beneath  the  ruthless  hand 


KAIUOLANI  167 

of  fate;  centuries  of  development,  and  the  highest 
and  best  at  their  disposal  must  abide  the  decree  of 
a  stronger  will :  Liliuokolani  breathed  easily,  and' 
at  last  placed  her  faith  where  kings  and  princes, 
paupers  and  producers  alike  find  a  living,  unyielding 
consolation. 

She  set  her  foot  down  to  stay.  The  place  belonged 
to  her,  and  no  man  bore  the  right  to  dispossess.  Norton 
stole  into  the  room.  She  came  there  as  she  had  gone 
elsewhere — hurriedly. 

"Fly,  Liliuokolani,  fly;  the  Rifles  are  crushed;  the 
Guards  are  marching  out,  the  marines  advancing!" 
whispered  Norton,  eagerly. 

"Why  should  I  go?  and  who  are  you,  to  address 
me  thus?"  replied  the  queen,  calmly. 

Thereat  Elmsford  burst  in  at  the  door,  and  Norton 
as  quickly  left.  He  had  gone  there  as  a  last  resort 
to  save  the  queen  from  possible  capture. 

"Come  with  me;  it  is  your  majesty's  only  refuge — 
the  walls  of  my  house  shall  protect  you  against  harm. 
Come?"  said  he,  earnestly  and  in  good  faith. 

"No.  I  remain  here,  where  I  belong,  even  in  the 
face  of  abandonment.  Go.  Save  yourselves ;  Liliuo- 
kolani is  immovable." 

And  they  went — the  victorious  Guards,  the  queen's 
retinue,  and  all  those  in  authority  who  sympathized — 
orderly  and  rapidly  toward  Diamond  Head:  though 
Kaiuolani  did  not  know  until  long  afterwards  that 
the  queen  herself  remained  shut  up  and  alone  at 
the  palace. 

Those  upon  whom  the  princess  relied  for  counsel 
knew  better  than  she  the  futility  of  undertaking  peace- 
fully to  induce  Liliuokolani's  going,  and  to  remove 


i68  KAIUOLANI 

her  by  force  had  been  an  act  of  rebellion — so  con- 
strued by  both  Uhlrix  and  Young  in  justification  of 
their  openly  wanton  and  widely  intentioned  assaults. 
The  two  hard-fought  engagements  had  so  depleted 
the  Guards  that  to  stand  ground  against  such  odds 
had  been  worse  than  madness :  the  possibility  of  re- 
cruiting under  shelter  the  necessary  force  to  regain 
the  capital  and  effectively  establish  authority  out- 
weighed in  the  minds  of  knowing  ones:  Kaiuolani 
was  led  innocent  and  the  flight  directed. 

Sitting,  however,  in  final  council  just  outside  the 
city,  where  a  temporary  halt  was  made  to  recover 
breath  and  prepare  the  march,  their  gallant  commander 
suddenly  arose  and  nervously  turning  her  glasses  upon 
the  doomed  capitol  in  the  distance  reeled,  and  shrieked : 

"The  flag!" 

Thenceforth  her  advance  became  solely  a  matter 
of  their  prevision. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

Young  quickly  overcoming  surprise  gathered  to- 
gether his  frightened  remnant  and  in  the  absence  of 
anything  more  definite  or  satisfying  hurled  them 
against  the  oncoming,  but  now  sturdy  marines. 

Uhlrix  met  the  young  colonel  in  the  open.  The 
lines  were  drawn  up,  facing  each  other,  between  the 
two  buildings — the  palace  directly  in  rear  of  Young's 
division,  the  capitol  well  behind  the  invader's  strength- 
ened force.  The  two  men  carefully  measured  chances. 
The  stilled  agony  of  defeat  urged  their  respective 
commands  on  in  the  quest  of  thirsty  revenge. 

Bender  stood  champion  at  the  side  of  Uhlrix ;  Har- 
venoiq's  exploitations  ended  with  the  flag's  first  fall : 
his  antagonist's  word  thenceforth  augured  the  reliance 
a  better  judgment  signified;  the  American  commander 
sent  the  one  to  the  rear  in  stricter  confinement,  called 
the  other  forward  to  direct  better  the  movement  that 
he  had  contemplated  should  forthwith  deliver  the 
drafted  constitution  where  it  of  right  belonged — di- 
rectly in  the  queen's  own  hand. 

Norton  edged  close  to  Young;  her  work  still  re- 
mained but  partly  done:  Gutenborj's  stiff-necked  ab- 
sentation afforded  fresh  occasion ;  Young  yet  believed 
himself  capable  of  sweeping  the  land  of  a  last  un- 
patriotic showing,  listened  to  the  voice  that  stirred 
his  fancy — conjured  an  only  ideal. 

Little  did  either  think  himself  standing  in  the  midst 
of  a  tragedy  that  should  go,  unheeded,  perhaps,  but 
none  the  less  decisive,  down  through  time  unforgotten 


170  KAIUOLANI 

as  an  epoch-building  event — the  one  opening  the  long 
closed  and  self  adjusting  doors  of  a  pent  up  and 
overwrought  people,  the  other  but '  attending  death's 
last  faint  quiver;  as  a  tempting  morsel  lingers,  sooth- 
ing the  palate  of  some  gaunt,  writhing  monster.  Life 
to  that  pursued  sacrifice,  to  those  vain  Islanders,  had 
been  as  sweet,  their  hopes  as  grand,  the  struggle  as 
earnest,  as  are  the  progressions  of  every  giant  grown 
thing  that  thrives  to  prey  and  devours  that  it  may 
survive :  fulfilling  in  the  end  an  unchallenged  decree, 
that  to  live  all  things  must  perish. 

"Strike  hard,  my  love,"  said  Norton,  whimsically, 
drawing  close  and  assuming  much. 

The  words  fell  cold  and  parched  upon  the  over- 
led  colonel's  fast  waning  conscience  ancl  surcharged 
patience.  He  knew  that  she  had  tricked  him,  for 
the  stars  and  stripes  floated  high  above  them :  no 
mean  man  placed  it  there,  nor  would  the  mecanations 
of,  even,  a  titled  dreamer  serve  to  keep  it  aloft  a 
worthy  commander's  head.  Uhlrix,  a  compatriot,  and 
fellow,  must  be  rigidly  in  honor  possessed — Kaiuolani 
had  been  driven  to  all  but  lost  by  the  ready  wit  of 
a  sister  in  kind,  if  rival  of  choice. 

His  own  best  endeavors  had  counted  for  nothing 
in  worthiness,  yet  he  believed  her  the  embodiment 
of  a  truth  that  knows  no  higher,  elects  not  to  trifle 
with  compromise. 

Norton  inspired  him  with  the  same  kind  of  courage 
she  herself  had  always  displayed,  convinced  him  again 
of  the  superior  desirableness  of  doing  things,  and 
above  others  remained  despite  all  that  transpired 
the  sole  exponent  of  an  innate  conviction.  Had  bare 
faithfulness  shunned  better  opportunity?  misjudg- 


KAIUOLANI  171 

ment  frowned  upon  favor?  the  wanting  sacrificed  the 
willing?  Momentarily  the  thought  ran  riot  with 
the  words,  and  then  that  higher  self,  which  had  never 
failed  him  in  the  end,  perchance  determined  the  deed, 
hearkened  distinctly  that  hinder  call,  the  siren-voiced 
ambition  flayer,  duty. 

Young  argued  severely  the  right,  but  Uhlrix  re- 
mained inexorable.  Bender  had  gained  his  sympathies 
and  knew  better  the  wiles  of  policy :  he  had  seen  from 
a  distance  Young's  failing  stand  for  principle  and  wit- 
nessed Kaiuolani's  ruthlessly  wrought  predicament — 
only  were  the  Rifles  under  his  command  Norton  could 
be  made  way  with,  the  queen  apprehended  and  Kaiuo- 
lani  coerced.  But  how — 

''The  desertion !"  flashed  upon  him  like  a  thunder- 
bolt from  heaven.  "I'll  rid  myself  and  incumber 
him.  Here,  General,  why  waste  words  with  an  im- 
poster?  a  deserter  from  the  United  States  army?" 

"Who  is  a  deserter?  Show  me  the  villain,  or  I'll 
make  you  smart  for  the  trouble,"  growled  Uhlrix, 
unexpectedly  shaking  with  anger  at  so  serious  ai.  af- 
front. 

UF.  W.  Young,  the  fellow  whom  you  would  con- 
front," replied  Bender,  unflinchingly  anticipatory. 

''I?  face  a  criminal?     Out  with  the  proof!" 

"Harvenoiq  will  sustain  me." 

"D d  poor  evidence ;  but,  I'll  hear  it.  Officer, 

produce  the  witness." 

Harvenoiq,  by  this  time  securely  impaled  and  doubly 
guarded,  unwillingly  shuffled  forward.  Bender  at- 
tracting his  attention  and  catching  his  eye  spoke  first; 
no  risk  should  be  taken  now,  that  the  perspiration 
oozed  in  dripping  beads  from  the  commodore's  mighty 


172  KAIUOLANI 

forehead  and  Norton  eyed  with  cool  deliberation  and 
hard-tried  patience  the  apparently  senile  proceedings. 

"I  have  accused  Mr.  Young,  here,  of  desertion. 
Do  the  records  in  your  office  verify  the  charge?" 

The  crestfallen  minister  looked  his  oldtime  accom- 
plice straight  in  the  face,  crowding  a  thousand  serious 
memories  into  one  short  instant:  the  best  and  most 
satisfying  of  which  undoubtingly  urged  further  al- 
legiance if  not  absolute  acquiescence:  especially  that 
freedom  proffered  at  the  instance  of  an  easily  verified 
subterfuge. 

Harvenoiq,  though,  did  not  observe  Norton  forward 
of  the  opposing  ranks  or  he  might  have  thought  twice 
before  venturng  upon  so  hazardous  an  undertaking. 
Dazed  and  overpowered  by  Bender's  stress  he  labored 
and  stared,  seemingly  tongue-tied  and  wholly  uncon- 
scious, till  Uhlrix  snarled  snappishly : 

"Well?" 

"Yes,"  whined  the  bewildered  fellow,  apparently 
relieved  for  the  chance. 

"And  I  can  fix  the  identity/'  interposed  Norton, 
advancing  with  set,  determined  foot. 

"Stop,  woman,"  'demanded  Young,  sternly  but 
kindly. 

Norton  wheeled,  and  looked  her  arrester  inquisi- 
tively in  the  face. 

Young  colored  with  anger ;  whereat  she  replied, 
threateningly : 

"You  may  have  good  need  for  my  interference." 

"Wayntro,"  said  Young,  addressing  his  under-com- 
mand  hotly,  "relieve  me  of  this  woman's  presence; 
when  in  need  of  a  champion  I'll  call  a  man." 


KAIUOLANI  173 

i 

The  uncalled-for  imputation  caused  Norton  little 
uneasiness,  but  just  what  should  become  of  her  cham- 
pion's career  under  such  circumstances  presented  a 
trying  problem.  To  oppose  were  to  estrange,  to 
acquiesce  to  suffer  him  the  pain  of  an  avoidable  ac- 
cusation— and,  still  yet,  would  the  princess  listen  to 
the  explications  of  an  accused?  No.  Therefore  let 
him  reap  the  chagrin  his  cold  resistance  to  her  own 
proffered  friendliness  merited.  Time  itself  must  work, 
in  its  own  proper  way,  a  just  and  reasonable  solution 
of  all  his  difficulties,  and  an  humble  acquiescence 
have  raised  her  in  the  estimation  of  the  very  one  she 
deigned  to  sacrifice. 

"As  you  like,  my  good  sir,"  said  she,  bowing  and 
walking  away,  under  the  itching  stare  of  Bender, 
who  feigned  to  grin  at  a  for  once  prospective  revenge. 

"Take  it,  and  prove  the  charge,"  said  Young,  de- 
liberately casting  his  sword  upon  the  ground. 

"An  easy  riddance  of  a  useless  appendange?  Of- 
ficer, place  the  good  culprit  under  careful  surveillance ; 
there  seems  to  be  some  trick  behind  this  rather  awk- 
ward if  ready  affair,"  replied  Uhlrix,  confused  and 
puzzled  beyond  immediate  comprehension. 

In  the  lull  that  ensued  Bender  snatched  up  the 
discarded  weapon  and  springing  astride  Young's  dis- 
mounted horse  dashed  behind  the  bewildered  but  happy 
Rifles.  A  sharp,  threatening  volley  burst  high  over 
their  depleted  ranks,  but  the  flying  bullets  bore  no 
significance  to  Bender  other  than  to  make  good  at 
all  hazards  his  own  escape.  Nor  did  he  get  off  en- 
tirely alone,  for  a  willing  soldiery  heralded  his  re- 
turn: the  marines  offered  no  resistance,  were  glad 
of  the  withdrawal,  and  the  last  conjured  support  to  a 


174  KAIUOLANI 

tottering  monarchy  promptly  departed  the  otherwise 
deserted  grounds ;  though  Bender  took  occasion  before 
quite  out  of  reach  to  dismount  and  attempt  a  stolen 
satisfaction  within  what  seemed  to  be  an  utterly 
abandoned  palace. 

"I'll  surprise  myself ;  the  queen  is  gone  and  Norton — 
well,  catch  her  if  you  can,"  said  he,  to  himself,  clutch- 
ing tightly  the  now  cumbersome  constitution.  "Kaiuo- 
lani  is  mine !  and  I'll  leave  the  precious  document 
anent  the  throne;  where  Uhlrix  shall  find  it,  and 
claim  it,  and  defend  it,  till  all  America  is  content. 

Striding  through  the  quiet  halls  and  in  at  the  open 
door,  no  thought  of  encountering  her  majesty  disturbed 
his  rising  spirits.  The  Guards  had  marched  away, — 
there  was  no  doubt  about  that, — and  to  try  the  great, 
high  chair  in  anticipation  of  its  future  occupancy  had 
been  an  easy  matter  had  not  the  redoubtable  Liliuo- 
kolani  rose  to  greet  his  startled  presence. 

"You  here?  I  thought  your  majesty  a  deposed 
hostess,  not  a  mystic  monarch,"  gasped  he,  trembling 
under  the  force  of  sudden  impulse. 

The  queen  made  no  answer,  yet  stooped  to  take 
from  his  hand  the  proffered  constitution. 

A  grating  and  a  slash — but  Norton  struck  the 
fiendish  steel  from  his  treacherous  hand. 

"Foiled !"  snarled  she,  drawing  from  her  waist  a 
loaded  pistol  which  she  held  covering  his  face. 

"Listen,  cowardly  villain,"  continued  the  roused 
woman,  prefacing  the  queen's  unequivocal  declara- 
tion: 

"Hear  ye,  all  men  and  women :  I  proclaim  this 
written  constitution  the  sovereign  law  of  Hawaii." 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Elmsford  and  his  now  disconcerted  company  had 
safely  reached  Lord  Xenoav's  island  possession,  the 
beautiful  villa  and  estate  at  Diamond  Head,  where 
the  British  flag  was  made  to  do  hasty  service  in  pro- 
tecting Kaiuolani  and  the  Guards  from  immediate 
molestation.  At  sight  of  the  obnoxious  stars  and 
stripes  aloft  the  capitol  building  the  over-proud  princess 
had  fallen  in  a  swoon,  but  now  that  a  short,  swift 
march  brought  them  into  friendlier  environments, 
where  she  beheld  the  raising  of  a  trusted  if  not  less 
objectionable  standard,  new  thoughts  and  a  promised 
deliverance  rekindled  severely  tried  energy. 

The  discovery  of  her  majesty's  failure  did  not 
in  the  least  weaken  Kaiuolani,  only  hastened  the  more 
a  decision  to  make  restitution,  to  survive  a  huge 
blunder;  Young's  downfall  shattered  the  barest  pros- 
pect of  entreaty;  a  tyrant  laid  siege,  and  would  batter 
down  even  the  flag  of  truce  to  satisfy  an  ungovern- 
able end :  with  what  of  hearing  at  the  instance  of 
friendly  couriers  and  conjecturing  from  the  cold 
caldron  of  resolute  reflection  the  past  loomed  a  danger- 
ously contrived  escapade  necessitating  thenceforth  a 
stricter  adherence  to  the  settled  requirements  of  con- 
ventionality's harsh  ultimatum. 

She  had  done  what  she  did  under  the  hot  impulse 
of  lone  personality,  paying  little  heed  to  the  uncon- 
trolled potentialities  of  superior  force  and  conflict- 


176  KAIUOLANI 

ing  interests.  Henceforth  she  must  not  only  combat 
with  evil,  but  lessen  the  gap  between  the  deed  and 
the  occasion,  consulting  more  the  necessities,  ques- 
tioning less  the  right. 

With  resolving  proper  conduct  and  conjecturing 
a  fancied  means,  Kaiuolani  breathed  fresh  relief,  but 
the  look  of  the  situation  frightened  her:  obligation 
alone  made  it  possible  for  her  to  do,  even  dare. 

Pickets  had  been  thrown  out  in  every  direction 
and  the  troops  massed  around  the  main  buildings :  the 
little  coterie  of  disconsolate  patriots  earnestly  en- 
gaged themselves  with  discussing  behind  secure  con- 
fines the  probable  outcome  of  what  now  seemed  to  all 
but  one  an  ill-advised  if  well-timed  retreat.  Kaiuo- 
lani's  ardor  had  not  cooled,  as  yet,  with  the  elimina- 
tion of  dash,  and  the  very  thought  of  England  and 
those  upon  whose  hospitality  she  still  survived  en- 
couraged strongly  a  secret  belief.  She  ventured,  even 
reasoned. 

"You  are  risking  a  lot  to  save  perhaps  a  very  foolish 
princess,  Mr.  Elmsford — I  wonder  what  Lord  Xenoav 
might  think?"  said  she,  in  reply  to  the  artist  man- 
ager's repeated  protestations  of  unselfish  aim. 

"He  would  say  it  were  not  a  bit  too  much:  I 
should  call  out  the  tars  if  I  thought  it  at  all  neces- 
sary; Elmsford  is  jolly  game,  you  know." 

"Possibly  you  shall  have  an  opportunity,  if  we  suc- 
ceed in  resting  here  until  under  cover  of  night  I  can 
reach  the  harbor ;  Ihoas  suggests  wrongly,  and  I  shall 
want  forthwith  to  visit  the  flagship  before  venturing 
toward  castle  Bairdsraith ;  this  affair  has  not  gone 
entirely  beyond  our  reckoning,  as  yet,  believe  me." 

"Quite  right  you  are,  Kaiuolani,  but  how  is  your 


KAIUOLANI  177 

ladyship  to  make  good  the  escape?  There  seems  to 
be  no  end  of  pursuit/'  suggested  Elmsford,  deeply 
concerned;  for  just  then  word  had  come  that  ad- 
vancing troops  were  to  be  seen  in  the  distance. 

"I  shall  not  for  that  trust  so  much  to  luck  as 
to  my  good  friend  Elmsford,"  replied  the  princess, 
less  disturbed  than  resolved. 

They  looked  from  one  to  another,  mystified  ancf 
uncertain.  Ihoas  had  urged  Kaiuolani  to  take  definite 
steps  to  influence  Lord  Xenoav's  intercession,  to  bring 
Great  Britain  to  their  defense;  that  her  own  love 
should  be  so  jeopardized  was  more  than  she  had 
bargained, — Kaiuolani's  reliance  foretold  Elmsford's 
availment, — yet  rising  above  personal  interests  the 
deep,  unfathomable  princess  resolved  in  silence  and 
bade  them  speed  their  pleasure.  To  her  life  held  a 
higher  reverence  than  bare  affinity:  she  would  die 
for  the  gods,  and  a  thousand  years  unbroken  al- 
legiance made  easy  the  sacrifice. 

Kaiuolani  again  buckled  on  the  sword,  and  turning 
to  her  latest  recognized  champion  asked  sharply: 

"Are  you  ready?" 

Elmsford,  twisting  about,  hemmed  and  hawed  un- 
intelligibly ;  just  what  should  be  expected  of  him  under 
the  circumstances  had  been  fully  gathered  from  Kaiuo- 
lani's conversation  and  answer;  that  Ihoas's  proposal, 
however,  suited  him  best  there  could  be  no  question. 
Strategy  should  avail  him  in  getting  the  princess  on 
board  a  convenient  Englishman,  now  lying  in  the  har- 
bor,— her  own  heroism  to  the  contrary  notwithstand- 
ing,— but  would  the  lone  attempt  of  a  doubtful  sub- 
ject be  sufficient  to  insure  the  secretly  contemplated 
kidnapping? 


178  KAIUOLANI 

Darkness  was  already  coming  upon  them  and  the 
clouds  ran  thick  and  murky.  Temporary  command 
had  been  advisedly  turned  over  to  Ihoas,  in  view  of 
Aokahameha's  continued  disability,  and  a  feint  in  due 
course  prepared.  Kaiuolani  had  dressed  for  the  oc- 
casion, and  Elms  ford  stood  ready  to  father  with  might 
and  main  the  inwardly  doubtful  undertaking  when, 
of  a  sudden,  Norton — apparently  out  of  breath  and 
full  in  earnest — subtly  shied  herself  into  their  presence, 
waving  and  ejaculating: 

"Fly,  Kaiuolani,  fly ;  the  Rifles,  with  Bender  in  com- 
mand, and  the  combined  force  and  friendly  sanction 
of  both  Uhlrix  and  the  queen  at  his  beck  and  call, 
press  hard  upon  you!" 

Strangely  enough  the  false,  cruel  makeshift  im- 
pressed deeply  those  who  heard;  they  knew,  how- 
ever, only  too  well  the  crafty  minister's  master  am- 
bition ;  and,  perchance,  had  their  withdrawal  estranged 
Liliuokolani ?  the  conflict  convinced  Uhlrix?  Kaiuo- 
lani's  eagerness  exceeded  the  bounds  of  discretion,  and 
Elmsford  foolishly  made  manifest  their  unqualified 
intent — Norton  had  not  only  accomplished  her  pur- 
pose, but  went  away  again,  as  mysteriously  as  she 
had  come,  the  wiser  for  the  trouble. 

No  such  thought  as  to  run  away  entered  Kaiuolani's 
head,  though  to  Elmsford's  way  of  thinking  and 
Norton's  supreme  delight  it  had  saved  the  one  a  dis- 
tasteful expedient  and  the  other  an  artless  com- 
promise. They  were  surrounded,  and  the  fire  once 
more  flashed  from  her  dancing,  dark  eyes — she  would 
mow  down  the  foreign  fiends  as  stubble  falls  under 
the  sickle  bar,  but  little  Uena-O-Zan  came  modestly 
bowing  and  whispering: 


KAIUOLANI  179 

"Hush,  my  lovely  mistress;  would  you  save  life, 
bid  Uena  speak.  The  foreign  lady  and  the  great,  top 
minister  hold  counsel.  They  are  out,  over  the  gate: 
some  scheme  they  discuss  to  do.  The  flag  he  sees — 
my  honorable  mistress  may  yet  escape;  Uena  hears 
much  and  fears  not  any." 

"You  are  a  dear,  good  little  maid,  and  I  shall  truly 
heed  you.  Had  you  not  come  as  a  fairy  the  whole 
regiment  should  have  fallen  like  the  victims  they  are. 
Now  that  you  have  quenched  the  fire  you  may  arrest 
the  fiend.  What  shall  a  captive  do?" 

"Make  ready  to  wait;  Uena  shall  say  for  you 
where  to  go.  Kwannon  much  do  mercy." 

The  night  grew  darker,  and  Bender  waxed  mad 
with  thwarted  zeal  and  confounded  advice,  for  that 
flag  alone  waved  effective  defiance  and  Norton,  know- 
ing her  man,  lost  no  time  in  the  attempt  at  unmaking. 

"Wayntro,"  demanded  he,  after  a  while,  angrily, 
"here.  Take  charge  of  this  business  and  hold  good 
the  siege  till  I  return ;  it  is  necessary  for  me — your 
commander — to  consult  the  English  admiral,  at  once. 
Take  care  that  none  escape — I  charge  you  at  your 
peril;  British  arrogance  never  ventured  beyond  trade 
and  bluff." 

"And  an  Irishman's  patience,"  put  in  the  doughty 
captain,  good-humoredly. 

Bender  galloped  away,  and  the  Rifles  lay  down  to 
snatch  a  very  needed  rest.  The  captain,  commanding, 
ordered  a  strict  watch,  and  himself  proceeded  at  once 
with  the  not  altogether  arduous  task  of  enticing  with- 
out the  invested  place  an  only,  anxious  sweetheart ; 
for  Wayntro  possessed  a  heart — big  and  true — that, 
also,  throbbed  with  love's  own  pulse  beat. 


i8o  KAIUOLANI 

"Be  after  resting  snugly  on  your  arms,  and  never 
a  peep  till  Wayntro  speaks,"  said  he,  significantly, 
as  the  tired  sentries  ambled  toward  their  careless 
duties 

"I  am  too  very  shy,"  replied  a  modest  voice,  but 
a  moment  later,  within,  as  the  captain  edged  close 
under  the  overgrown  hedge  at  one  side  a  convenient 
gate. 

"Uena !  Bless  your  two  souls.  I'd  risk  anything — 
brave  these  devilish  thorns  to  get  one  more  smack  at 
those  tiny  lips;  I  do  believe  it's  an  age  since  I've 
tasted  such  sweetness.  Do,  now,  be  after  letting  me 
in;  I  want  you  so  bad,  I  don't  want  you — what's 
that?  Danger,  duty:  duty,  danger — there's  not  a  soul 
in  there  that  would  hurt  a  hair  on  Wayntro's  head." 

"Oh  Joyce!  How  could  they?  You  haven't  any 
got." 

"Come,  Uny;  that's  not  fair;  no  poking  fun  at  long 
range,  through  the  bush,  nor  over  closed  gates.  Loosen 
the  latch,  deary;  I  can't  wait  no  longer." 

"If  you'll  not  come,  promise,  till  three  I  count, 
and  close  under  the  hedge  inside  follow,  your  lonely 
sweetheart  shall  so  run " 

"Break  it  off,  Uny;  I'll  do  the  whole  thing  as  you 
say,  and  nary  a  quibble." 

Uena  withdrew  the  bar,  as  agreed,  and  her  good- 
intentioned  lover  followed  (none  too  expeditiously) 
the  blind  wake  of  her  secret  vigil;  till,  presently,  a 
faint  light  lured  him  beyond  their  improvised  cover 
and  into  the  big,  rambling  barns  near  at  hand. 

"Now  here  you  wait,"  said  his  enticer,  extinguish- 
ing the  torch  and  leaping  over  an  empty  manger,  leav- 
ing the  dumfounded  captain  to  grope  in  doubt  abreast 


KAIUOLANI  181 

a  deserted  stall,  "till  Uena  one  thousand  counts.  Her 
sweetness  shall  then  the  uncertainty  displace." 

There  was  no  getting  out  of  that  place,  either  with 
or  without  detection;  so  Wayntro  waited,  and  Kaiuo- 
lani  together  with  Elmsford,  her  secretly  plotting  gal- 
lant, escaped  the  plantation,  deliberately  drove  through 
the  listless  lines  and  went  their  way,  regardless  if 
undecided. 

Soon  after  an  excited  launch  load  of  muffled  blue- 
jackets, prowling  and  peering  hither  and  thither, 
stoutly  hailed  and  roughly  overhauled  a  dingy,  frolic- 
some little  dugout  that  cautiously  creeped  and  dili- 
gently watched  among  the  giant  ironclads  here  and 
there  casting  their  dull  shadows  at  anchor  in  the  dark, 
silent  waters  of  an  overcast  harbor  against  the  noised- 
up  capital  below.  The  miniature  flag  of  England  trail- 
ing defiantly  at  the  little  boat's  stern  bore  no  signifi- 
cance to  those  hawk-eyed  sleuth-dogs ;  they  were  bent 
on  capturing  a  prize,  and  heedful  lest  Kaiuolani  es- 
cape would  run  down  even  the  king's  own  craft. 

"Let,  go,  bobby,"  shouted  Elmsford,  as  a  hurled 
grappling  iron  hooked  their  frail  canoe,  splintering 
it  from  stern  to  stem;  "it's  all  a  huge  blunder;  can't 
you  see  the  colors?" 

"To  h 1  wid  y'r  ruse,"  growled  a  burly  boats- 
wain, hauling  hard  fast  the  already  sinking,  water- 
logged craft. 

That  voice  and  those  huskies  were  more  than  Kaiuo- 
lani could  well  face,  and  dropping  carelessly  from 
her  shoulders  a  loose-bodied  garment  the  undaunted 
little  princess  slid  overboard  and  into  the  deep,  warm 
waters  of  the  bay,  where  a  trained  eye  and  dextrous 
stroke  saved  her  scarce  a  known  identification. 


182  KAIUOLANI 

Her  trapped  escort,  however,  fared  less  agreeably; 
snatching  the  flag  abaft  the  sinking  hulk  the  morti- 
fied Englishman  permitted  with  something  of  per- 
suasion his  rude  arrestors  to  haul  him,  wet  and  thank- 
ful, safely  aboard  their  own  dry,  but  detested  deck; 
whereat  he  boisterously  belabored  and  threshed  in 
the  face  the  most  convenient  flunkey  at  hand,  boast- 
fully asserting: 

"Great  Britain  shall  make  you  pay  right  smart  for 
this:  carry  me  at  once  to  her  majesty's  flagship,  the 
Londoncan." 

"My  friend,"  said  a  voice  in  authority,  "you  had 
best  take  your  medicine  like  a  man.  You  are  only 
guest  here,  and  subject  to  a  host's  pleasure.  Confess. 
Who  was  the  damsel  that  just  now  so  gracefully 
eluded  me?" 

"The  queen " 

"What?    Liliuokolani?" 

Elmsford,  on  being  interrupted,  stopped  short  of 
what  he  had  intended  saying. 

"I  observed  no  perceptible  rise  in  the  tide,"  con- 
tinued the  American,  facetiously. 

"Nor  shall  you  till  you've  landed  me  where  I  be- 
long; the  flagship's  a  safer  barometer  and — refuge, 
now  that  you  choose  to  dally  with  opportunity." 

"Pull  away,  men,"  shouted  the  officer;  we'll  over- 
take her,  you  bet;  though  these  duskies  swim  like 
eels,  if  proportioned  as  whales." 

Elmsford  settled  back  in  the  boat's  bottom,  happy 
and  content  that  each  stroke  brought  him  nearer  the 
revered  war  ship,  Kaiuolani's  intended  place  of  go- 
ing, if  not  originally  his  own;  knowing  the  princess 
of  old  he  would  chance  her  pursuit  at  such  hands 


KAIUOLANI  183 

with  anything  short  of  a  harpoon,  and  once  within 
hailing  distance  no  vulgar  bluecoat  would  do  a  British 
subject  the  least  insolence;  an  Englishman  demands 
first  the  person,  then  the  controversy. 

Passing,  however,  close  under  the  big  Mariposa's 
lee, — the  English  merchantman  having,  as  usual, 
called  at  Honolulu  on  her  regular  run  from  Sydney 
to  Vancouver,  had  already  begun  to  weigh  anchor, — 
save  the  rippling  and  rumbling  occasioned  by  the 
corded  chains,  no  sound  or  sight  disturbed  the  stilled 
waters  around.  Elmsford  would  have  given  half  his 
life  had  Norton  and  her  Uncle  Sam's  blunt  assailant 
come  upon  the  scene  but  a  moment  later,  for  he  too 
should  have  climbed  the  rope  ladder  dangling  at  that 
ship's  gangway  high  above,  as  did  Kaiuolani  no  sooner 
the  launch  that  bore  him  captive  had  gone  round 
the  stern  and  away  from  discovery. 

Presently  the  head  on  bell  sounded,  and  the  linger- 
ing heir  to  an  unrecovered  throne  went  out  into  a 
cold,  politic  world  to  fight  her  battle  anew,  but  none 
the  less  inspired  for  the  experience  gained ;  those 
waters  were  to  her  as  was  the  land  she  departed,  and 
no  base  man  nor  arrant  knave  might  arrest  her  progress 
upon  or  beneath  the  one's  surface  nor  challenge  un- 
answered her  right  to  the  other's  beneficence. 

Such  environments  and  so  vital  an  expression 
served  but  to  adjure  achievement  upon  a  broader 
plane,  to  baffle  sense  and  quicken  the  reach  toward 
endeavors  yet  unrealized,  and  as  she  looked  back 
upon  the  lore-rent  castles  of  a  slumbering  people  a 
deep  gathering  sympathy  beamed  from  her  dry-burnt 
eyes — the  sorrows  of  depleted  sway  had  long  ago 
worked  from  the  soul  its  crucial  bitterness,  and  the 


184  KAIUOLANI 

will,  insurmountable,  as  it  were,  carried  her  beyond 
the  bare  vortex  of  failure  and  into  the  hard  and  fast 
bounds  of  an  inexorable  divine-striven  energy. 

"All  things  are  for  the  best,"  said  she,  patiently, 
to  herself,  as  she  turned  her  back  upon  disappoint- 
ment, facing  again  the  hopeful,  "and  Kaiuolani  shall 
yet  ride  justly  recognized  over  the  cruelties  of  fail- 
ing mankind." 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

With  a  trampled  queen  doggedly  clinging  to  an  un- 
heeded, hinderless  authority  and  Kaiuolani  speeding 
toward  but  a  conjectured  mission  the  long  sown,  po- 
tently dormant  seed  of  restlessness  quickly,  subtly 
sprang  into  a  veritable  reality.  The  secretly  compell- 
ing force  of  a  self -adapting,  all-pervading  heterogene- 
sis,  however,  suddenly  brought  out  undeniably  the 
new  and  existant,  if  undetermined  body  politic.  An- 
archism had  supplanted  organization,  and  of  neces- 
sity more  than  prevision  the  occasion  for  some  sort 
of  provisional  government  inalterably  arose. 

Chaos  reigned  everywhere  and  there  remained  not 
an  effective  agency  to  stem  the  tide  of  disintegra- 
tion: unrealized  purpose  stalked  gloomily  in  the  face 
of  apparent  disorder,  and  no  man  seemed  able  to 
marshal  the  courage  of  his  convictions. 

An  abused  heir  and  gauged  correctly  at  the  last 
moment  Great  Britain's  probable  attitude  in  the  ab- 
sence of  positive  instructions;  Elmsford's  slow  at- 
tempt convinced  her  of  as  much, — though  she  never 
did  guess  rightly  his  blundering  intent, — and  if  dogged 
away  her  escape,  even  at  the  cost  of  personal  indignity, 
proved  as  confusing  to  those  who  would  build  upon 
her  absence  as  it  was  gratifying  to  the  admiral  who 
winked  at  her  going. 

Norton  had,  as  Isaacs  had  good  reason  to  know, 
seen  the  Englishman  first — Kaiuolani,  Bender,  Elms- 


i86  KAIUOLANI 

ford,  or  any  other  interested  individual  to  the  con- 
trary notwithstanding — and  the  direction  of  her  im- 
mediate actions  more  than  proved  the  wisdom  of 
his  conclusion.  There  seemed  to  be  no  prospect  of 
interference  in  that  direction. 

The  marines  had  done  all  that  lay  within  their 
scope  or  power  and  resting  back  in  camp  awaited 
further  developments  or  speculated  upon  the  outcome 
of  Young's  forthcoming  trial. 

Their  commander  waxed  hot  with  borrowed  indig- 
nation, but  could  not  be  induced  to  take  a  hand  at 
bringing  order  out  of  an  uncertainty  occasioned  for 
the  most  part  by  his  own  stupid  gravity  and  soggy 
temper.  Harvenoiq  had  been  restored,  it  is  true,  to 
his  questionable  liberties,  but  shorn  of  Bender's  sup- 
port or  usage  his  flabby  conscience  scarce  ventured 
so  much  as  an  excuse.  Here  again  no  prospect 
gleamed  to  insure  those  whose  fortunes  tossed  and 
buffeted  at  sea. 

The  Rifles  and  Guards  played  at  hide  and  seek; 
Gutenborj  awaited  anxiously  an  opportunity  to  cling 
to  some  one;  Varnum  slunk  at  Uhlrix's  indifference; 
Young  remained  a  prisoner;  Aokahameha  lay 
wounded;  and  Bender  dogged  his  pursuers — all  were 
as  babes,  nursing  their  feelings  or  afraid  of  any  kind 
of  expression,  yet  Norton  boldly  but  advisedly  pub- 
lished a  pretended  call  requiring  those  who  might  to 
appear  on  the  morrow,  at  twelve  o'clock  noon,  in 
the  armory,  to  answer  in  person  for  the  establishment' 
of  a  temporary  government. 

It  was  a  first  deliberate  attempt  at  wielding  public 
influence,  and,  saving  Young,  no  one  knew  or  sus- 
picioned  the  real  purpose  of  her  sudden  activity. 


KAIUOLANI  187 

"You  shall  heed  me,  though,"  growled  Norton, 
in  suppressed  anger,  as  the  colonel  firmly  denied  her 
last  request,  upon  departing  his  prison  quarters,  where 
she  had  gained  an  interview  before  proceeding  to 
the  editorial  rooms,  now  besieged  by  anxious  inquisi- 
tors. 

Young  made  no  answer,  but  stood  reflecting  the 
baseness  of  her  proposal  and  the  probable  outcome  of 
his  own  displacement. 

"You  shall  heed  me,"  repeated  she,  more  savagely 
than  before,  her  hand  gripping  tightly  the  knob  in 
the  still  closed  door. 

"No;  never,"  replied  he,  downcastfully. 

"The  nomination  might  change  your  mind." 

"Not  in  the  face  of  a  constitution.'* 

"What  constitution?" 

"The  new  one." 

"There  is  none." 

"Bender  says  there  is." 

"Have  you  seen  him?" 

"Yes." 

Norton  slammed  the  door  and  went  her  way,  trou- 
bled with  a  new  and  unthought  of  situation.  That 
they  two — Bender  and  Young — should,  would  or  could 
have  communicated  with  each  other  under  the  cir- 
cumstances went  beyond  her  farthest  contemplation. 
Though  she  had  misadvised  Young  as  to  Kaiuolani's 
situation,  possibly  sooner  known  to  him  at  Bender's 
hand,  she  would  not  weaken,  and  with  troubles  doubled 
nerved  herself  for  the  occasion. 

"Yes,"  said  she  to  Gutenborj,  but  a  few  moments 
later,  having  received  him  privately  at  the  office  of 


i88  KAIUOLANI 

the  for  once  respected  Ware  Wizzard  Wise ;  "Young 
must  be  made  chairman;  it  is  our  only  compromise. 

"He?  A  convict?  With  my  support?  The  thought 
of  it !  I  have  been,  I  acknowledge,  fooled  these  many 
years,  but — not  any  more. 

"Tut,  tut !  Vain  wisdom  outruns  your  good  sense ; 
he  is  only  a  prisoner,  not  a  convict — and  if  I  mistake 
not  would  be  gladly  released  under  shelter  of  the 
first  pretext." 

"I  don't  understand  your  philosophy." 

"Nor  shall  you  till  made." 

"The  army  is  inexorable;  he  is  an  American,  not 
a  Hawaiian." 

"Like  pretty  much  all  the  rest  of  us ;  and,  per- 
chance, no  more  susceptible,  if  less  cosmopolitan.  Try 
him;  the  rest  shall;  they  are  helpless." 

"My  hands  are  clean.  Let  events  resolve  their 
own  proper  course ;  discipline  is  unavoidable  and  my- 
self content." 

"You  may  think  well  of  retiring;  the  lion's  share 
is  tempting,  but  please  don't  forget  that  there  are 
others  who  would  share  in  the  spoils." 

"You  insult  me.     I  have  nothing  not  my  own." 

"Did  you  ever  hear  of  anybody's  pretending  other- 
wise? It  ill  becomes  Kalakaua's  best  friend  to  fail 
of  comprehension." 

"Stop  wrangling,  madam;  the  sweep  of  empire 
alone  inspires.  Hawaii  is  doomed  in  the  recreation 
of  America." 

"Along  with  some  of  its  would-be  conservatives. 
See  here,  Hans  Gutenborj  :  if  compelled,  I  can  re- 
lease Colonel  Young  in  a  jiffy.  I  may  do  so  rather 


KAIUOLANI  189 

than  see  him  thrown  down  by  the  man  who  has 
profited  most,  and  for  years,  at  his  expense." 

"Gracious  goodness,  goodness  gracious!  As  if  his 
release  would  serve  your  highfalutin  purpose.  Really, 
you  make  me  tired.  I  trow,  Bender  shall  attend  to 
the  clipping  of  your  wings." 

"Bender!  The  one  man,  who — but  there  now;  I 
shall  not  insist;  they  say  a  woman  cannot  hold  her 
tongue;  we  shall  see.  I  presume  you  intend  being 
on  hand,  as  usual,  in  furtherance  of  a  'safe,  sound 
and  sane'  interpretation  of  'law  and  order'?" 

"If  it  serves  my  convenience,  yes." 

"Your   fortune,  you  mean." 

"Heaven  save  us !  A  woman's  tongue  is  our  readiest 
means — of  undoing.  Madam,  premit  me  the  privilege 
of  an  humble  good-day." 

Drawing  round  a  rapidly  waning  apprehension  still 
more  snugly  the  cloak  of  security  issuing  as  the  re- 
sult of  a  final  installation  of  the  marines  the  big, 
oversure  planter,  fat  with  knightly  if  debatable  con- 
cessions quietly  left  the  humble  editress  amid  the 
storm  of  denunciation  a  last,  intolerable  straw  had 
provoked. 

Designing  little  but  caring  much  Gutenborj  walked 
leisurely  round  (only  a  short  distance)  to  Uhlrix's 
ominous  camp  "Bonton,"  deliberately  and  newly  es- 
tablished at  the  old  historic  villa  where  Liliuokolani 
herself  had  spent  most  all  her  childhood  days.  The 
once  resplendent  halls  now  resounded  with  the  rattle 
and  bang  of  heavier  stalkings.  A  foreign  force  with- 
out leave  or  license  had  cold-heartedly  appropriated 
this  the  most  inviting  place  at  hand  to  its  own  uncer- 
tain use  and  doubtful  occupation;  their  puffed-up  com- 


190  KAIUOLANI 

mander  vainly  renaming  it  in  honor  of  the  ship  they 
proudly  manned.  Their  latest  visitor,  confident  and 
hopeful,  tendering  his  card,  with  compliments,  at  the 
gate,  soon  found  himself  ushering  into  the  presence 
of  the  one  he  sought — but  Norton  had  sooner  an- 
ticipated his  going.  She  too  had  been  there. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Promptly  at  twelve  o'clock,  as  announced,  the  doors 
of  the  armory  were  thrown  open  to  the  straggling 
few  who  ventured  or  ambled  thither.  These  were, 
though,  however  reduced  in  numbers,  deeply  in 
earnest,  and  contrary  to  expectation  consisted  mostly 
of  missionaries,  a  few  disgruntled  Royalists,  and 
others  still  less  desirable.  In  fact  the  leading  element 
in  all  parties  or  castes,  those  upon  whom  the  burdens 
had  hitherto  rested,  made  themselves  conspicuous  only 
by  their  timely  absence. 

Even  Bender,  who  had  regained  so  quickly  and 
absolutely  his  liberty, — already  going  at  will  upon  the 
streets  and  elsewhere  without  any  danger  of  molesta- 
tion,— was  not  there.  Norton  the  original  publicist 
and  only  proposer  could  nowhere  be  found,  and 
Gutenborj,  shut  in  and  alone  at  his  own  private 
quarters,  raged  and  fussed  about  "such  nonsense." 

Out  at  Diamond  Head  the  Guards  and  Rifles  al- 
ready mingled  upon  friendly  terms,  for  both  Wayntro 
and  Ihoas  proved  easily  relaxing  and  in  the  absence 
of  Bender  on  the  one  hand  and  some  sort  of  con- 
trolled inspiration  on  the  other  the  two  forces  agree- 
ably and  irrevocably  interpenetrated  in  a  search  for 
individual  aelectation. 

No  collective  tendency  abridged  their  unrestricted 
bent  and  those  once  belligerent  regiments,  the  nation's 
only  defense,  aristocracy's  sole  support  and  democ- 


192  KAIUOLANI 

racy's  last  effective  hope,  joined  hands  in  the  humbler 
reliefs  of  an  overworked  and  browbeaten  man's  per- 
mitted part. 

A  populace,  those  upon  whom  the  burdens  rest, 
devoid  of  enthusiasm  or  despair  must  only  gape  at 
opportunity's  repeated  offering.  What  could  these 
do  for  the  fate  of  nationalism  or  the  prolongation 
of  state  ?  Neither  sharing  the  law's  benefits  nor  rising 
to  social  requirements  they  of  necessity  and  of  right 
stood  back  heedless  amid  the  great  unglorified :  once 
relieved  of  the  juggler's  wiles  settled  down  to  the 
lone  enjoyment  of  a  vainly  provisioned  lot. 

The  ambitious  alone,  those  eager  to  break  down 
barriers,  courted  the  extravagant,  were  to  be  found 
overstepping  the  bounds  of  sobriety,  and  as  they  fared 
they  waged: 

"Would  you  lie  here  a  prisoner,  in  the  face  of 
humanity's  call  ?  Everywhere  the  people  demand  your 
fitting  response.  Be  a  man,  Colonel  Young,  as  I  can 
and  will  obtain  your  release :  you  and  I  could  annex 
these  islands  to  the  United  States  in  a  trice.  Brace 
up  my  good  fellow,"  urged  Harvenoiq,  his  words  burn- 
ing with  renewed  self-anticipation. 

"Me?  Sacrifice  honor?  Lay  opportunity  at  the  feet 
of  expediency?  Never!" 

"You  may  change  your  mind,  as  all  great  men  do. 
It  shall  go  hard  with  you  here,  and  why  not  take  ad- 
vantage of  a  certainty?  I  know  whereof  I  speak." 

"If  you  have  the  right,  then  release  me.  If  not, 
your  assurances  belie  the  reason.  Come;  out  with  it; 
what  have  you  to  do  with  my  detention?" 

"Your  recently  accepted  friend  Bender  might 
answer  that  in  a  less  dissatisfactory  manner.  I  have 


KAIUOLANI  193 

a  more  urgent  business  at  the  armory,  just  now ;  the 
missionaries  are  there,  in  force." 

Scenting  a  fancied  opportunity,  yet  to  lift  himself 
at  the  expense  of  another  man's  sincerity,  Harvenoiq 
quietly  abandoned  Young  to  his  fate  and  undertook 
adroitly  to  fasten  his  own  flight  to  the  tail  end  of 
another's  forced  if  welcome  obligation :  the  true  mis- 
sionary element  remained  absolved,  had  not  shown 
their  hand,  and  of  choice  or  compulsion  held  in  fact 
ultimately  the  balance  of  power. 

These  soldiers  of  the  cross  had  led  the  white  van- 
guard here,  as  elsewhere,  and  from  the  landing  of 
Cook — and  the  Judds's  arrival — made  themselves  felt, 
slowly  at  first,  but  effectively  at  last,  in  a  friendly 
recasting  of  individual  belief.  Content  with  inner 
regeneration,  their  soul  enervating  endeavors  would 
not  disturb  the  outer  form:  allowed  spirituality  best 
conserved  by  a  natural  adjustment  of  material  re- 
quirements. 

Their  blood  had  long  ago  taken  root  and  shorn, 
as  it  was,  of  mercenary  motives  resolved  the  beginning 
of  a  homogeneous  admixture  and  tolerable  assimila- 
tion, which  might  have  determined  in  time  its  own 
attendant  exaltation.  The  veins  of  royalty  already 
coursed  with  an  improved  morality:  no  less  did  the 
interceding  religion  benefit  by  the  superior  infusion, 
and  had  not  pelf  (there  could  have  been  no  other  in- 
centive) inspired  a  stronger  agency's  pursuit,  lowered 
the  scale  of  activity  to  the  bare  standard  of  com-* 
mercial  worth — who  knows  what  their  destiny? 

Now  that  the  two  contending  factions,  the  avari- 
cious foreigners  on  the  one  hand  and  the  dazed  and 
tolerant  natives  on  the  other,  stood  motionless  and 


194  KAIUOLANI 

surprised,  each  at  the  blow  stricken  of  his  own  weak- 
ness, the  hitherto  ignored  and  abused  missionary  and 
his  natural  born  or  truly  converted  brother  once  more 
arose,  alone  and  unhindered,  as  the  sole  redeemer  of 
a  bereft  and  disordered  people.  They  were  few  in 
fact,  but  loyal  to  themselves  and  fearless  of  any  trial ; 
uncertainty  had  driven  the  last  doubting  culprit  from 
their  ranks — Varnum  and  his  kind  had  quietly  but 
effectively  decamped;  the  call  was  made,  not  at  their 
instance,  but  as  a  better  utilization  of  them,  by  those 
who  dared  not  face  the  consequences  of  their  own 
act ;  the  empty  building  in  which  they  gathered  seemed 
to  echo  but  a  single  responsibility;  the  little  band 
unconsciously  grouped  in  the  center;  a  few  disconso- 
late loiterers  scattered  here  and  there  about  the  wide 
bare  floors;  presently  one  among  the  group,  taller 
than  the  rest,  more  ungainly  and  less  nervous  said 
almost  in  a  whisper: 

"Gentlemen,  the  time  has  come  for  us  to  act;  we 
must  have  a  government,  cannot  exist  without." 

The  speaker's  words  bore  no  bitterness,  nor  elation, 
nor  self-imposed  preferment.  Cheer  alone  rang  in 
his  voice,  and  deep  underneath  heavy  dark  eyelashes 
a  pair  of  small  piercing  eyes  sparkled  with  determina- 
tion and  kindled  their  confidence. 

Those  who  saw  and  heard  believed  "old  man"  Cole 
sincere,  and  in  these  times  and  under  such  circum- 
stances small  sincerity  were  worth  any  quantity  of 
so-called  ability.  Don  Dupont,  their  former  sergeant 
at  arms,  a  half-cast  royalist  of  high  descent,  an.  old- 
time  missionary's  son  and  a  lawyer  by  profession, 
climbed  upon  a  handy  stool  and  quietly  placing  him 
in  nomination  the  Honorable  Christopher  C.  Cole  sud- 


KAIUOLANI  195 

denly  became  without  a  dissenting  voice  the  first 
chairman  of  the  then  barely  improvised  but  after- 
wards seriously  potent  government  of  Hawaii. 

These  men  and  women  who  were  by  chance  or 
strategy  thrust  forward  supposedly  to  their  doom,  at 
a  time  when  every  other  agency  seemed  politically 
dead,  proved  themselves  fairly  equal  to  the  thankless 
task  imposed,  and  as  missionaries  once  installed  all 
the  wiles  of  Christendom  could  nor  would  jar  loose 
the  clutch  nor  break  the  grip  of  their  tenacity. 

Both  Commodore  Uhlrix,  in  command,  and  Colonel 
Young,  his  prisoner,  thence  had  good  grounds  for 
the  discernment  of  a  new  factor,  rising  boldly  to 
harass  and  defeat  each  in  his  unquestionable  part. 
The  latter  sank  down  shorn  and  forlorn  in  his  cell; 
Xane  Bender  had  just  left  and  perchance  the  news 
seemed  the  more  frightful.  The  commodore  hastened 
to  consult  Liliuokolani,  at  last  effectively  deposed  and 
possibly  beaten. 

Had  Floyd  Young  then  and  there  resigned  himself 
to  a  fate  that  determines  as  surely  as  follows  politi- 
cal fortune  he  might  not  have  taken  a  step  that  could 
only  prolong  an  ending  as  inevitable  as  just ;  bringing 
in  the  wake  of  its  certain  progress  alike  ignominious 
failure  and  deplorable  disaster.  Faltering,  the  thresh- 
old of  greatness — his  naturally  destined  scope — again 
slipped  his  reasonable  grasp,  and  a  law  higher  than 
his  apprehension  or  man's  making  must  unavoidably, 
though  bitter,  work  its  never-ending,  changeless, 
course. 

All  plans  were  doomed,  their  situations  inexplica- 
ble, and  in  spite  of  Young's  unseemly  plotting  and 
Kaiuolani's  higher  appeal,  Harvenoiq's  doubtful  sup- 


196  KAIUOLANI 

port  or  Bender's  rabid  opposition,  a  freshly  gather- 
ing whirlwind  enveloped  and  swept  them,  a  regret- 
ful, drooping  nation,  always  faster,  still  more  artfully 
toward  the  lisping  jaws  of  a  larger  born  and  stronger 
grown  world-adjusting  power.  The  newly  begotten 
and  strongly  conceived  empire  of  an  overruling  West 
swooped  upon  them,  and  her  steel-sharpened  talons 
and  explosive-laden  charge  already  rent  loose  the 
startled  prey  and  held  fast  a  tightening  grip. 

Hawaii  hung  limp  in  the  eagle's  clutch,  and  those 
who  might  have  rescued  the  tiny  victim,  stilled  of 
its  liberty-stirring  melody,  her  golden  plumage  ruf- 
fled, neglected  that  broader  summons  in  the  blind  rush 
for  individual  shelter. 

Only  one  man  dared  so  forget  the  future  as  to 
provision  the  present :  bore  no  interests  contrary  to 
the  welfare  of  others,  and  that  man  rose  up,  as  most 
final  arbiters  do,  from  absolute  innocuousness  and 
shamefaced  insignificance.  Run  down  at  the  heels  and 
neglected  by  his  friends,  hard  pressed  at  home  and 
content  in  the  world,  his  unencumbered  ears  tilted 
easily  to  the  feeble  sounding  of  wholesome  fame. 

Nor  did  ascendancy  the  least  disturb  his  apparent 
equilibrium;  rising  steadily  above  the  fixed  horizon 
of  its  accidental  discovery  the  fain  controlling  orbit 
of  his  rapidly  coming-into-view  constellation  shed  a 
warmth  and  brilliance  and  radiation  that  bespoke  al- 
ready and  undeniably  the  lasting  tenure  and  cohesive 
powers  of  his  administrative  capacity. 

The  commander  of  the  marines,  possibly  more 
anxious  to  justify  the  report  which  he  had  already 
dispatched  to  Washington  than  to  accommodate  the 
new  government,  forthwith  let  it  be  known  of  his 


KAIUOLANI  197 

intention  to  remain  indefinitely  at  camp  Bonton ;  and 
though  there  was  no  friendliness  between  them — 
Uhlrix  indeed  did  not  so  much  as  deign  to  recognize 
the  new  chairman  or  his  quasi  government — the  pres- 
ence of  an  active  though  foreign  army,  all  equipped 
and  ready,  was  openly  welcomed  alike  by  those  who 
feared  either  life  or  property  and  the  ones  upon  whom 
devolved  the  responsibility  of  policing  the  new  regime. 

There  was  no  other  government,  not  another  ef- 
fective force.  Hence  by  virtue  of  a  certain  indispensa- 
bleness  rather  than  insistence  the  one,  though  dis- 
claimed, of  necessity  gained  obeyance ;  the  other,  how- 
ever delectable,  they  condescended  to  respect :  the  two, 
while  antagonistic  in  spirt,  together  resolved  an  only 
safeguard  to  both  persons  and  effects,  which  of  it- 
self made  either  agency  supremely  forceful,  each  in 
its  own  proper  sphere. 

Young  paled  at  the  outlook,  and  Gutenborj  alone 
of  all  those  possessed  with  ulterior  designs  and  per- 
sonal aims  ventured  an  open  declaration. 

"You  are  the  man  for  the  occasion,"  said  he, 
adroitly,  to  the  chairman,  deliberately  bolting  him- 
self into  an  audience  before  any  kind  of  organization 
had  been  fairly  perfected.  "Every  schoolboy  here 
knows  of  your  integrity;  and  if,  perchance,  I  can  be 
of  any  service,  call  upon  me.  Hans  Gutenborj  stands 
for  law  and  order:  I  need  not  advise  you,  as  to  that, 
of  course." 

The  gaunt,  respectful  Cole,  not  unmindful  of  the 
intruder's  motive  and  ability,  paid  no  other  heed  than 
dignified  answer  to  the  pretended  courtesy  bestowed ; 
and,  proceeding  as  if  no  interruption  had  occurred, 
convinced  possibly  one  interested  spectator  that  at 


198  KAIUOLANI 

least  a  man  helmed  the  ship  who  could  and  would  re- 
sist temptation.  Nor  was  his  policy  and  its  effect 
less  openly  established;  as  the  first  important  com- 
mittee appointed  and  dispatched  proved  none  other 
than  one  of  annexation  to  the  United  States,  and  the 
proclamation  presently  issued,  pronouncing  the  pro- 
visional government  duly  established,  only  redoubled 
anxiety  in  the  land. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  revolution  had  come  and  gone  like  an  ava- 
lanche,— whence,  no  one  knew;  to  what  purpose,  none 
foresaw, — leaving  in  the  wake  of  its  savage  rush  the 
bared  intent  and  beaten  hopes  of  but  a  few  hours 
hence.  An  empire  had  gone  down  and  lay  shattered 
amid  the  heaps  of  debris  that  once  served  the  felicities 
of  a  nation.  Just  why  this  had  been,  nobody  knew; 
how  done  were  an  enigma:  it  all  seemed  so  unlike 
reality ;  yet,  an  inspiration. 

Looking  out  at  the  window,  across  the  once  re- 
spected but  now  invested  lawns,  a  prisoner,  Floyd 
Young's  hard-strained  eyes  caught  sight  of  Bender, 
coming  in  the  distance,  and  his  face  paled  with  con- 
templatation. 

"He  seeks  me  out;  I  have  committed  myself  to 
his  schemes ;  what  shall  I  do  ? — I  have  it :  I'll  adapt 
myself:  the  queen  must  rule!" 

The  door  opened  and  Bender  slipped  in,  calm  and 
aggressive.  Young's  mind  reverted  to  their  last  meet- 
ing, and  then  he  thought  of  how  easy  it  should  be 
to  comply  with  Norton's  demand — Bender  had  advised 
it,  and  were  not  liberty  worth  any  price,  that  he  might 
serve  the  state,  in  undoing  the  tangle  his  own  folly 
had  wrought? 

The  outcast  minister,  however,  pressed  hard,  upon 
this  occasion,  in  another  direction. 

"The    committee   of    annexation    has    departed    in 


200  KAIUOLANI 

earnest,"  said  he,  trembling  with  overwrought  con- 
cern. 

Young  looked  into  space. 

"Yes;  they  are  already  well  under  way,  and  you 
can  be  sure  that  a  republican  administration  will  not 
be  loath  to  listen." 

"Thank  God "  began  Young,  unthinkingly. 

"There  is  soon  to  be  a  change,"  interceded  the 
visitor,  presuming  to  anticipate  Young's  unspoken 
words. 

"I  didn't  say  so,  if  inauguration  day  is  not  far 
off,"  replied  the  other,  coloring  quickly. 

"But  you  mean  it ;  though  the  politics  don't  suit 
you;  and,  I  grant  it's  hard  for  some  to  acknowledge 
virtue  in  expediency,  however  necessary,"  said  Ben- 
der, ignoring  Young's  embarrassment  and  believing 
the  germ  to  have  taken  root,  forsooth,  of  its  own 
accord. 

Nor  had  either  long  to  await  the  fulfillment  of 
both  predictions.  Upon  landing  at  Washington  the 
committee  found  the  retiring  president  ready  to  hear 
and  recommend  any  measure  that  bore  the  ear-marks 
of  national  uplift,  still  more  would  the  outgoing  ad- 
ministration involve  and  encumber  the  incoming: 
their  petition,  therefore,  received  initiative  in  the 
appointment  of  a  commissioner,  Rand  by  name,  duly 
empowered  to  proceed  thence  and  investigate,  thor- 
oughly, on  behalf  of  the  American  government. 

A  weighty  mission  this  proved  to  be,  launched  in 
the  worthy  Rand's  opinion  ostensibly  for  the  purpose 
of  whitewashing  the  dubious  acts  of  a  featherweight 
diplomat,  but  in  reality  with  a  view  to  fixing  upon 
an  adverse  administration  the  odium  (if  such  the 


KAIUOLANI  201 

public  ear  might  descry)  of  having  attempted  to  in- 
augurate a  strange,  new  policy,  as  broad  in  scope  as 
the  reason  lay  deep. 

March  4th  came  and  with  it  a  severely  fashioned 
executive, — in  the  eyes  of  the  committee, — ushered 
in  as  president  of  the  nation  and  father  of  all  its 
ills.  A  very  great  man,  seemingly,  and  though  they 
believed  him  as  innocuous  of  harm  as  apt  in  de- 
suetude their  success  for  all  they  knew  or  could 
foretell  depended  upon  none  else's  sanction. 

"Grant  us  a  hearing,"  they  urged,  time  and  again, 
upon  the  prophetic  hesitator's  attention,  until  distrac- 
tion bore  hard  upon  their  patience. 

"The  president  begs  to  inform  you  that  he  is 
not  yet  fully  advised,"  as  regularly  came  back  for 
answer,  at  the  hands  of  an  over-polite  and  gaudily 
dressed  secretary. 

"Advised  of  what?"  finally  inquired  the  uninitiated 
committeemen,  more  indiscreet  than  republican. 

"Of  the  expediency,  I  believe,"  curtly  replied  the 
president's  spokesman,  slipping  the  exuberance  of 
a  new-found  assurance. 

The  chairman  of  the  committee  ventured  to  insist 
no  further,  at  that  time,  believing  discretion  not  the 
least  part  of  diplomacy  and  tolerable  forbearance  no 
detriment  even  in  the  face  of  a  new  and  unthought 
of  democracy;  and,  what  seemed  more  gratifying, 
had  learned  since  his  arrival  at  Washington  that  "ex- 
pediency" under  this  sort  of  government  could  be 
ntade  to  cut  both  ways ;  especially  as  a  subsidized 
press  in  the  hands  of  a  friendly  faction  apparently 
held  absolute  sway  over  both  public  morals  and  ad- 
ministrative opinions. 


202  KAIUOLANI 

"Give  this  public  expounder  of  private  convenience 
time,  only  time,  and  his  own  strange  politics  shall 
have  sooner,  and  unaided,  wrought  Hawaii's  annexa- 
tion. The  people  are  approachable,  if  not  their  exe- 
cutive," said  he,  to  his  associate  committeemen,  in 
confidence. 

This  process,  though,  however  flattering,  proved 
difficult  of  ingrafting  and  slow  with  materialization: 
Kaiuolani  wielded  a  readier  weapon  and,  discreetly 
coming  upon  the  scene  not  until  the  determined  in- 
cumbent had  of  his  own  accord  fully  set  upon  un- 
doing what  a  knowing  predecessor  of  an  opposing 
faith  had  subtilely  launched,  forthwith  developed  a 
more  promising  outlook. 

The  president  had,  only  four  years  hence,  ended 
a  prosperous  term  and  now  looked  upon  his  second 
election  as  little  less  than  Godlike  reverence.  Hav- 
ing once  served  the  nation  faithfully  and  believing 
his  renewed  hold  none  other  than  prophetic  the  un- 
crowned veteran  looked  round  for  more  satisfying 
fields  of  expression.  Not  in  conquest,  for  age  and 
circumstance  dulled  the  heroic:  he  would  that  kings 
and  queens  pay  their  respect;  the  realms  of  these 
he  held  supreme. 

"Convey  to  his  honor,  the  president,  Liliuokolani's 
best  respects,  and  say  that  Kaiuolani,  bearing  assur- 
ances as  well  from  her  majesty,  queen  of  England, 
begs  the  favor  of  an  early  audience,"  said  Kaiuolani 
to  the  president,  soon  after,  through  a  duly  ac- 
credited spokesman,  in  consultation  with  the  highly 
puffed  and  lowly  bended  secretary. 

This     would-be     lordly     underling's     high-pitched 


KAIUOLANI  203 

answer  and  hard-strained  dignity  rasped  harshly  upon 
the  surprised  messenger's  delicate  sensibilities. 

"Yes  sir,"  said  he,  "it  is  my  duty,  I  might  say 
privilege  to  inform  you,  on  behalf  of  our  most  ex- 
cellent and  twice  elected  president  to  these  United 
States,  that  he,  in  his  official  capacity,  shall  so  soon 
as  informed  by  me, — his  very  humble  but  widely  re- 
spected secretary, — grant,  with  the  greatest  of  pleas- 
ure, her  royal  highness,  the  well-known  and,  in  Amer- 
ica, highly  thought  of  princess,  Miss  Kaiuolani,  an 
audience." 

The  clean-cut  Britisher,  Kaiuolani's  delegated 
friend  and  escort,  a  Mr.  Jackson  Best,  did  not  tarry 
upon  that  occasion  longer  than  necessary.  He  had 
been  selected  by  Lord  Xenoav  and  entrusted  by  the 
queen  to  accompany  the  princess  on  account  of  his 
especial  fitness,  and  the  bare  possibility  of  encounter- 
ing at  the  very  outset  of  their  mission  such  unheard 
of  snobbery  was  more  even  than  he,  a  hard-fisted 
merchant,  had  deigned  anticipate. 

They  were  there,  however,  to  accomplish  a  purpose, 
and  believing  the  president's  word  final  and  supreme 
resolved  upon  facing  the  consequence  of  a  meeting 
at  the  designated  place,  anent  the  innermost  cover 
of  the  White  House  itself. 

"Be  seated,"  grumbled  the  weighty  executive,  with 
a  characteristic  flourish  of  the  hand  and  hard-fetched 
pretense  at  rising. 

The  startled  princess  responded  as  best  she  could, 
though  at  a  significant  distance,  while  her  more  dex- 
trous aid  and  champion  drew  closer  still  to  the  would- 
be  confidential  host  and  otherwise  determined  patron. 


204  KAIUOLANI 

"In  behalf  of  a  friendly  nation,  the  princess  thanks 
you  for  your  splendid  hospitality  and  magnanimous 
auspices,"  said  the  witless  Best,  getting  down  to  busi- 
ness, in  excellent  form  and  better  tact.  "No  more 
flattering  guarantee  or  positive  assurance  could  be 
wished.  It  is  seldom  one  meets  with  such  cordiality, 
even  among  kings." 

"My  mind  is  settled  beyond  peradventure  on  that 
score;  no  act  of  this  government  shall  stand  to  mar 
the  higher  relations  that  I  would  internally  and  eter- 
nally foster  and  enjoy.  Hawaii  is  a  vested  sov- 
ereignty, and  the  queen  shall  be  reinstated,  at  any 
cost;  though  I  would,  without  any — beg  pardon — dis- 
respect to  Kaiuolani,  the  crown  were  a  man's  in- 
heritance. Woman  can  best  serve  God  and  the  under 
weal  by  rearing  her  children  and  mending  a  husband's 
pants :  it  is  decreed,  and  so  written.  Am  I  not  safe 
and  sound  there,  neighbor?"  queried  the  great  man, 
quite  unmindful  of  Kaiuolani's  scarlet  cheeks  and  far- 
away, conscious  look. 

Momentarily  her  thoughts  ran  back  to  the  time 
Floyd  Young  would  have  crowned  her  a  like  queen, 
the  source  of  a  brood  and  mother  of  his  convenience, 
and  then  she  wondered  if  all  Americans  were  of  a 
kind. 

"No,"  said  she,  to  herself ;  "woman,  too,  has  a 
voice,  is  as  she  ordains,  serves  a  nobler  God  than 
man.  I  shall  rise  independent,  and  live  as  I  would, 
dependent  only  upon  a  common  fatherhood." 

Kaiuolani,  thereupon,  went  her  way,  more  than 
pleased  with  the  splendid  success  thrust  upon  her; 
though  she  had  rather  have  attained  the  same  end  by 


KAIUOLANI  205 

the  aid  of  her  own  self-devised  energies.  There  re- 
mained no  doubt  in  her  mind  as  to  the  president's  in- 
tentions ;  all  the  croakers  in  Christendom  could  not 
pry  from  his  head  a  motion  once  securely  set.  His 
hand  she  believed  incapable  of  deflection — the 
monarchy  as  good  as  restored. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Anticipating  Rand's  report,  and  waxing  eager  with 
determination  to  do  justice  and  serve  his  own  re- 
stricted inclinations,  the  president  duly  appointed  a 
successor,  and  began  without  delay  the  preparation 
of  a  message  asking  congress  to  undo  the  bold,  un- 
questioned work  of  Harvenoiq,  the  nation's  trusted 
representative  at  Honolulu. 

The  American  minister's  act,  in  contriving  so 
serious  a  thing,  as  the  intervention  of  the  marines, 
could  be  looked  upon,  from  an  exalted  viewpoint,  in 
but  one  of  two  ways :  as  being  patriotic  or  villainous. 
The  president  chose  the  latter;  a  cold,  deliberate  con- 
sideration of  all  the  facts  and  circumstances  as  re- 
vealed in  truth  reasonably  permitted  of  none  other, 
and  the  forthcoming  report  of  an  opponent's  duly  ac- 
credited and  dispassionate  commissioner  more  than 
justified  the  conclusion. 

Going  upon  the  ground  at  a  time  when  any  sort 
of  an  excuse  had  been  agreeable  politically,  the  far 
seeing  Rand  found  it  impossible  personally  to  pursue 
the  veriest  kind  of  partisan  examination ;  the  risk  of 
contamination  augured  too  vile  even  for  a  diplomat's 
consideration.  Every  inducement  seemed  consistently 
winked  at  by  those  in  authority;  lying  resorted  to 
by  the  ones  most  in  danger;  the  stench  excused  by 
everybody  who  would  attune  his  advantage  to  the 
deed :  Rand,  however,  proved  unpurchasable  or  con- 


KAIUOLANI  207 

trollable,  and  went  about  his  work  with  a  deliberation 
and  impartiality  that  brooked  no  speculation  as  to 
the  final  outcome. 

With  hearing  the  blandishments  of  intriguers,  who 
hastened  to  welcome,  then  deigned  revile;  listening 
to  the  complaints  of  others  wronged,  yet  unwilling  to 
concede  the  inevitable;  and  searching  for  a  common 
ground  on  which  to  do  justice  and  open  the  eyes  of 
the  administration  at  Washington, — amid  circum- 
stances almost  disheartening, — the  hard-pushed  and 
ill-adjudged  commissioner  soon  found  his  task  even 
more  thankless  there — where,  upon  the  whole,  they 
had  reason  to  trust  and  encourage  a  truthful  investi- 
gation— than  the  report  should  be  unsatisfying  at 
home,  in  view  of  a  changed  and  fomented  political 
situation. 

"We  demand  to  know  the  purport  of  your  recom- 
mendations," ventured  Gutenborj, — with  the  old-time 
audacity  that  he  was  want  to  employ, — heading  a  dele- 
gation of  conservatives  who  threatened  a  final  appeal. 

Rand  bore  the  last  straw  with  such  dignity  and 
patience  as  under  the  circumstances  a  more  politic 
man  might  be  expected  to  muster.  Neither  disin- 
terestedness nor  a  lack  of  sympathy  prevented  him 
from  concluding  his  labors  as  begun:  with  honesty 
of  purpose  and  faithfulness  to  the  trust  imposed. 

Answering  adroitly,  the  surprised  representative  of 
a  supposedly  indifferent  people  quietly  said: 

"It  is  not  my  province,  good  sir,  to  recommend: 
I  am  here  only  to  report  the  facts,  in  so  far  as  ob- 
tainable. I  should  respectfully  advise  that  you  ad- 
dress your  request  to  Washington." 

"That  is  just  what  we  propose  to  do,  when  the 


208  KAIUOLANI 

proper  time  comes ;  but,  first  of  all,  we  as  representa- 
tive citizens  insist  upon  getting  you  right.  Do  you 
understand  me,  Mr.  Commissioner?  If  anything  is 
lacking — well,  you  know,  we  are  prepared " 

"Pardon  me,  Mr.  G.utenborj.  I  have  been  advised 
by  your  good  selves  as  well  as  others  interested  that 
the  evidence  is  all  in  and  the  argument  concluded. 
I  have,  therefore,  only  to  forward  proper  findings. 
Please  consider  the  matter  closed." 

Rand  understood  only  too  well  his  auditors,  and 
upon  their  piqued  withdrawal  paid  no  more  than  re- 
spectful attention  to  the  scathing  rebuke  and  bcur- 
rilous  denunciation  thereat  promised.  On  the  con- 
trary, having  exhausted  every  recourse  attainable,  the 
result  of  a  somewhat  prolonged  investigation  was 
undeniably  reduced  to  writing,  signed,  sealed  and 
dispatched  under  cover  of  the  strictest  secrecy  and 
most  favorable  assurances.  The  commissioner  had 
done  all  that  he  could  do  fairly  to  advise  his  superiors, 
thence  quietly  awaited  a  reasonable  recall  and  proper 
discharge. 

Yet,  notwithstanding  every  precaution,  no  sooner 
had  the  document  reached  its  destination  than  were 
the  coveted  contents  known  in  far  off  Hawaii.  As 
if  by  magic  those  least  entitled  had  been  forewarned ; 
hence  Rand  was  duly  maligned,  and  Harvenoiq  pro- 
ceeded as  best  he  knew  with  clearing  the  way  for 
an  unannounced  but  verily  known  successor. 

Bender  and  he  were  closeted  in  the  latter' s  local 
residence :  their  recent  differences  had  been  forgotten 
or  brushed  aside  as  if  unknown  and  unfelt. 

"There  is  but  one  safe  ground  on  which  to  stand," 


KAIUOLANI  209 

whispered  the  American,  his  face  whitened,  and 
withered  frame  shaking  from  head  to  foot. 

"Young  must  be  gotten  rid  of,"  answered  the  other, 
eager  with  anticipation. 

"Yes  it  is  imperative." 

"And  how?" 

"Don't  tempt  me,  friend  Bender;  you  know  my 
weakness." 

"A  prodigy,  good  Harvenoiq,  to  be  taken  oppor- 
tunely. Shall  I  slip  the  noose?" 

"Pray  do;  I  lack  only  the  courage,  if  hung." 

"As  an  example?  Don't  predict  yourself  a  martyr; 
the  lure  of  guilt  absolves  only  the  doing,  the  deed 
the  consequence.  Act  gingerly,  old  man,  and  let  your 
knees  be  worthy  a  good  fellow's  confidence.  You 
know  that  I  am  proof,  the  evidence  is  yet  in  your 
possession." 

Harvenoiq  had  been  fully  convinced  by  Bender 
that  little  short  of  total  annihilation  awaited  him  upon 
the  arrival  of  Langdon,  his  duly  appointed  succes- 
sor, and  the  restoration  of  the  queen,  a  consequence 
easily  predicted.  Had  he  known  better  or  stopped 
to  consider  the  temper  of  his  own  people  and  the 
possibilities  of  diplomatic  dodging,  all  this  pother 
about  hanging  might  well  have  been  saved ;  but  Har- 
venoiq, in  the  tangle,  had  lost  all  control  of  self  and 
come  to  regard  with  fear  and  trembling  Bender's 
every  suggestion. 

On  the  other  hand  Young  fretted  more  and  harder 
under  an  ignominious  restraint.  He  knew  full  well 
that  nothing  short  of  the  most  damnable  perjury 
could  in  the  end  substantiate  the  charges  laid,  yet 


210  KAIUOLANI 

realized  that  his  apparent  tormentors  were  capable 
of  stooping  to  any  depth  to  carry  their  point. 

That  murder  stared  him  in  the  face  he  was  wholly 
unconscious;  his  duty  called  him;  there  seemed  no 
possible  means  by  which  he  might  induce  a  speedy 
trial;  when  tried,  though,  as  he  felt  in  justice  bound 
to  be,  Norton  must  stand  between  danger  and  him- 
self; she  had  not  once  failed  under  stress,  and  he 
believed  her  sincerely  and  unalterably  bent;  the  forces 
that  had  cornered  him  must,  before  he  lose,  reckon 
with  her,  yet  Bender's  oily  tongue  entranced  him. 

It  was  not  quite  dead  of  night  and  the  sentry  on 
his  dismal  beat  peered  into  the  dark,  moody  fog  that 
overhung  the  stilled  rounds  of  his  ominous  watch. 

"Who  goes  there?"  cried  he,  his  lone  words  barely 
rising  above  the  levelled  rifle's  dull  whack. 

"A  friend/'  answered  a  familiar  voice,  approach- 
ing with  fearless,  quickened  step. 

"All's  well,"  replied  the  trusty,  doubly  relieved, 
while  Bender  strode  on  and  into  darkness. 

Presently  Young's  accustomed  ear  discerned  an 
expected  approach,  and  two  huskies  retired  into  a 
welcome  corner,  there  to  snooze  and  snore  till  more 
urgent  business  roused  them  to  a  less  tasteful  duty. 

"I  thought  you  not  coming;  the  hour  is  so  late 
and  the  night  gloomy,"  said  Young,  his  heart  thump- 
ing with  renewed  anticipation. 

"Sh-h-h-  don't  speak  of  gloom;  it's  a  gloomy  busi- 
ness; everything  is  gloom,  and  the  end  shall  be  still 
more  gloomy  if  we  don't  get  at  it  and  out  at  once. 
Here  is  a  knife:  secrete  it,  and  use  it  if  you  would 
escape  to-night,  my  boy.  The  devil  is  to  pay,  all 
round." 


KAIUOLANI  211 

Young  gasped  at  the  thought.  He  had  early  enough 
accustomed  himself  to  the  use  of  manly  weapons : 
this  one  sickened  him.  All  his  life  he  had  shunned 
the  need  of  personal  defence  or  public  offense.  What 
terrible  necessity  had  at  last  arisen,  when  all  seemed 
so  propitious? 

Bender  answered. 

"I  had  it  hard  enough  to  get  the  documents " 

"Did  you  get  them?     Did  you  succeed 

"Yes ;  I  have  them,  here,  securely,  on  my  person ; 
where,  I  take  it,  they  shall— 

"Give  them  to  me,"  demanded  Young,  gripping 
tightly  the  handle  of  the  dirk,  which  he  still  held 
openly,  if  undecided. 

Bender  looked  his  man  hard  in  the  face.  He  had 
not  contemplated  any  such  turn,  nor  did  he  on  the 
spur  of  the  moment  propose  to  yield. 

"Oh,  well,"  said  he  calmly;  "if  you  think  it  best, 
here  they  are:  take  them.  I  have  no  doubt  you  shall 
find  a  way  to  save  their  falling  again  into  Harve- 
noiq's " 

"Harvenoiq !"  whispered  Young,  turning  with  bated 
breath  to  scan  the  bolted  doors  round  about  him. 

"Yes,  Harvenoiq,"  continued  Bender,  with  subdued 
satisfaction;  "and — I  shall  have  need  to  hurry  away 
would  even  I  escape  him.  He  is  undoubtedly  on  the 
way  now,  and  I  thought  possibly  you  might  have 
enough  to  do  to  save  your  life,  as  against  him.  I, 
as  a  friend,  unchallenged,  should  be  better  able  to 
shield  your  honor — at  least  save  the  papers  from 
certain  publicity." 

"What  do  you  mean,  man?"  demanded  his  listener, 
almost  choking  with  rising  consciousness. 


212  KAIUOLANI 

"There  is  no  time  now  for  parleying,  hence  listen: 
Kaiuolani  and  Harvenoiq  were  closeted  at  the  lega- 
tion house  when  I  left  to  hasten  thither.  You  may 
judge  the  risk  I  ran  in  obtaining  the  papers — I  trust 
you  do  not  forget,  solely  for  your  benefit — and  under- 
stand my  concern  for  your  safety,  both  in  person 
and  honor,  when  I  tell  you  that  it  is  planned  to  kill 
you,  here  in  this  room,  this  very  night,  at  twelve 
o'clock.  Now  then,  perhaps  you  can  see  that  your 
reputation  and  my  safety  depend  upon  my  going:  do 
with  the  papers  as  you  like." 

"Thieves  can  trust  no  one,  if  not  each  other.  Take 
them;  and,  if  it  serves  your  own  pitiful  interests, 
protect  my  good  name.  If  not,  I  still  owe  you  a 
debt  of  gratitude  for  the  chance  to  live.  Go." 

Bender  hurried  away.  The  very  thought  .of  hold- 
ing in  his  own  hand  the  only  evidence  that  could  pos- 
sibly stand  between  him  and  any  success  lone  ability 
might  encourage  quickened  the  unregenerate,  ill-fash- 
ioned trend  he  would  pursue. 

"At  last,  an  unfettered  man !"  rose  in  mind  to 
plunge  him  toward  the  freedom  craved. 

"To  the  woods,  the  mountains,  the  undefiled !  Only 
there — lies  the  spark  that  feeds  on  reality.  I'll  claim 
it,  fan  it  into  flame,  send  onward  the  crackling, 
thundering  holocaust  that  rids  the  earth  and  purifies 
the  doing.  Bender  shall  survive:  Kaiuolani  but  eke 
his  exultation." 

No  man  deigned  hinder  his  progress.  Ihoas,  bent 
and  sore,  listened  not  reluctantly  and  saw  with  opened 
eyes.  Together,  they  flew  to  the  wilds ;  there  to  foster 
pretended  rights,  and  redress  a  fancied  wrong. 

Presently,  however,  Harvenoiq's  underhandedly  ap- 


KAIUOLANI  213 

pointed  successor  came  hauling  into  port.  With 
trumpet  a-blowing  and  promises  galore  this  half- 
starved  political  supplicant,  from  the  interior,  would 
neither  listen  to  the  one  nor  substantiate  another  of 
the  party  factions  that  wended  alternately  toward  the 
fawning  doors  of  contemplated  recognition  or  ex- 
pected rehabilitation. 

"I'll  do  as  duty  bids  me,"  said  he,  over-proud  and 
uncomfortably  explicit.  "What  care  I  for  scant 
foibles  and  bothersome  energy  ?  Americanhood  is 
topmost,  and  our  intentions  are  no  less  expedient  than 
privileged:  when  the  flag  comes  down  you'll  know 
the  reason.  Coates  R.  Langdon,  Esqr.,  may  look 
seedy,  but  he'll  bear  boosting.  Hie  you,  Gutenborj ; 
make  way  for  the  queen !" 

The  Royal  band  played  in  the  open  that  night,  and 
native  daughters  riding  in  oldtime  uniforms  galloped 
upon  the  streets.  Sympathizers  (many  of  them  new 
ones)  gathered  round  the  queen  in  plenty.  The 
Provisionalists  slunk  back  or  stood  counselling  one 
another,  for  Langdon's  brusque  deliberations  non- 
plussed them.  They  had  all,  once  upon  a  time,  known 
something  of  Yankee  aptitude,  but  thenceforth  try 
as  best  they  might  nothing  short  of  cold  possibility 
stared  them  in  the  face;  Kaiuolani  had  captured 
Washington. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

The  president's  instructions  to  his  own  carefully 
selected  minister  were  generally  thought  to  be  un- 
qualifiedly positive;  so  much  so,  that  all  factions  and 
everybody  closely  identified  expected  thence  to  wit- 
ness the  hitherto  undreamed  spectacle  of  a  monarch's 
being  restored  to  power  by  a  supposedly  unsympa- 
thetic form  of  government,  a  republic,  the  good  and 
great  United  States. 

Hawaiians  chafed  under  the  yoke.  They  would 
to  a  man  have  had  done  with  it,  and  confidence  in 
somebody  or  in  some  sort  of  government  fairly  re- 
stored; but  Langdon  for  reasons  unknown  or  unsus- 
pected took  it  entirely  upon  himself  as  they  thought 
unduly  to  prolong  the  agony. 

The  delay  occasioned,  also,  no  lesser  a  disappoint- 
ment at  Washington.  Nobody  doubted  Langdon.  He, 
like  his  kind,  should  have  been  only  too  glad  to  justify 
in  the  estimation  of  those  who  had  given  him  a 
chance. 

"Why  such  dillydallying?  unnecessary  on  the  one 
hand  and  dangerous  at  the  best?"  asked  everyone  of 
himself  and  of  each  other. 

Langdon,  however,  had  suddenly  risen  to  both  place 
and  power;  and  had  they  but  known  at  all  some  of 
the  accidents  attendant  upon  his  arrival,  and  con- 
sidered better  the  underlying  traits  which  in  him  only 
typified  the  vast,  unmeasured  sentiment  whence  he 


KAIUOLANI  215 

sprang,  there  might  have  been  less  uncertainty  at 
Honolulu  and  more  subtle  dispatch  at  home ;  for,  with- 
out entire  disencouragement,  the  committee  of  annex- 
ation remained  quietly  at  work,  and  the  aptly  inclined 
overtaking  minister  had  been,  as  well,  met  and  ad- 
vised by  none  other  than  the  busy  Miss  Norton  her- 
self. 

The  charge  laid  against  Kaiuolani  by  Bender,  upon 
departing  the  closed  quarters  of  Young,  had  so  en- 
raged the  latter  that  he  directly  made  bold  to  face 
any  consequence  and  support  with  all  his  might  the 
now  tottering  provisional  government.  Kaiuolani, — 
of  whom  his  every  love-thought  burned  deeper  and 
more  luridly, — though  wholly  innocent  of  as  much 
as  a  hint  at  wrongdoing,  still  more  the  falsehoods 
concocted  by  a  jealous  suitor,  was  thence  cast  down 
and  trampled  as  a  thing  unworthy  his  remotest  con- 
cern. 

"Away  with  love's  infantile  lure !  Ambition  is  the 
nobler  half :  release  me  of  woman's  influence  and  I'll 
build  aim's  highest  end,"  threatened  he,  half  aloud, 
just  as  the  big  iron  key  began  again  to  rasp  in  the 
door. 

Like  a  flash,  dread  uncertainty  triumphed  over  self- 
willed  resolve.  Bender's  seemingly  just  warning  had 
proven  opportune,  and  fearful  of  consequences  a  kind 
of  wierdly  creeping  realization  pinned  him  coldly 
against  the  waging  ironies  of  hinderless  disadvan- 
tage. 

"All  is  lost,"  said  he,  vainly  clutching  at  the  sharp- 
ened steel  which  lay  hidden  and  helpless  in  the  sag 
of  his  illy  buttoned  and  carelessly  donned  waistcoat. 

"What  is  the  matter  now?"  asked  Martha  Norton, 


216  KAIUOLANI 

with  emphasis,  as  the  looked-for  gallant,  turning 
meekly  round,  stared  hard  past  and  into  space. 

Young  straightened  up  and  slowly  looked  his  tor- 
mentor humbly  in  the  face.  Underneath  the  dis- 
hevelled hair  on  his  head  an  oozing  brow  disclosed 
a  faint  of  red  which,  deepening  into  blush,  revealed 
shamefully  his  innermost  thoughts. 

"I —  I—  "  stammered  he,  reluctantly  conscious  of 
an  unsurmised  weakness. 

"Oh,  you  needn't  mouth  it,  Colonel  Young. 
There's " 

"Pardon  me:  culprit,  you  mean;  don't  you?" 

"No,  foolish  man ;  neither  culprit  nor  victim.  You 
thought  me  a  forerunner  of  harm;  whereas,  I  am 
only  bearer  of  righteous  news :  you  are  a  free  man. 
Now  then;  how  about  your  backbone?" 

"How  in  the  name  of— 

"Tut,  tut;  don't  ask  vainly;  you  are  at  liberty,  and 
that's  enough.  The  queen  is  not  yet  restored,  and 
that  is  better.  But  seek,  cheerily,  and  I'll  promise  the 
best." 

Surveying  the  situation  under  the  force  of  striven 
conscience,  Young's  understanding  broadened,  and  he 
should  have  thence  ignored  former  resolve  and  courted 
occasion  had  not  the  heart  held  superior.  Norton's 
words  rang  true  to  life,  as  he  had  found  it,  and  of 
the  Graces  were  not  Thalia  greatest  ?  Shere  womanli- 
ness had  saved  him  from  possible  disaster, — Harve- 
noiq's  skulking  presence  outside  the  barracks  soon 
convinced  him  of  as  much, — and  though  none  except 
Uhlrix  and  she  knew  exactly  the  manner  of  his  re- 
lease the  logical  sequence  of  forthcoming  events  dis- 


KAIUOLANI  217 

closed  plainly  the  reason :  Norton  still  wanted  a  hus- 
band. 

"My  boy,  you  are  foolish,"  reasoned  Gutenborj, 
with  greater  heat  than  wisdom,  in  a  personal  endeavor 
to  swerve  Young  to  further  accommodation. 

"I'll  admit  that  I  have  made  mistakes,  trying  to 
follow  as  best  I  could  your  advice;  it's  not  too  late, 
however,  to  attempt  amends." 

"Nonsense !  A  broken  dish  is  not  worth  the  mend- 
ing: restock  with  new,  every  time,  young  man,  if  you 
care  to  get  on  in  this  world  or  to  occupy  a  front 
seat  anywhere." 

"Philosophy  and  practice  don't  always  agree. 
Henceforth  our  paths  lead  in  opposite  directions." 

"Oh,  very  good ;  I  guess  your  old  man  has  enough 
to  carry  him — I  trust  you  shall  do  as  well." 

"Barring  taste,  I  may." 

"The  queen's  headsmen,  you  might  better  say." 

Young  understood  fully  the  import  of  his  oldtime 
employer's  remark,  and  well  knew  that  none  quite 
so  soon  as  he  nimself  should  or  must  fall  under  the 
restored  Liliuokolani's  ban.  That  the  queen  was 
ethically  and  morally  entitled  to  all  she  claimed  or 
that  had  been  proffered  by  a  cognizant  and  obliging 
president,  he  duly  conceded;  that  she  would  or  could 
be  reinvested  at  his  hands  with  any  further  or  greater 
authority  than  that  enjoyed  by  Americans  in  America, 
he  openly  denied :  in  fact  so  impressed  Uhlrix  with 
the  logic  of  the  situation,  if  not  the  worth  of  his  neck, 
that  Langdon  immediately  found  himself,  under  re- 
fusal of  the  marines,  unable  to  do  more  than  person- 
ally reason  with  the  queen  and  officially  await  his 
superiors. 


218  KAIUOLANI 

But  Liliuokolani  proved  obdurate.  She  would  not 
listen  to  immunity.  These  men  whom  Langdon  plead 
to  save  had  stirred  the  nation  into  disorder  long  be- 
fore any  foreign  agency  had  found  intervention  either 
expedient  or  opportune,  and  whatever  the  occasion 
for  her  restoration  the  government  must  retain  and 
possess  the  right  to  judge  and  dispose  of  its  own 
disturbing  elements  or  rehabilitation  end  in  bitter 
failure. 

No  one  appreciated  the  logic  of  Liliuokolani's  posi- 
tion more  keenly  than  did  Floyd  Young,  himself :  if 
not  the  more  aggressive  the  most  essential  in  the 
wreaking  of  their  immediate  downfall.  Yet  life  to  him 
suddenly  became  a  sacred  reality;  especially  as  his 
very  probable  exit  under  the  proposed  regime 
portended  anything  except  that  he  held  dearest — the 
heroic.  With  his  elimination  not  a  soul  in  authority 
rallied  to  monarchy's  support. 

Kaiuolani  had  very  wisely  returned  to  England, 
there  to  reinforce  the  pressure  she  believed  herself 
to  have  wrought  upon  the  president. 

Bender  mysteriously  dropped  out  of  sight,  and 
Norton  egged  the  queen. 

Patriotism  inflamed  America. 

"What  in  God's  name  shall  be  done?"  plead  the  at 
last  discordant  Gutenborj,  whose  miserly  dollars  tilted 
woefully  in  the  balance. 

"Await  results,"  answered  Langdon,  coolly. 

And  they  did  more:  they  lagged  with  opportunity, 
breathless  and  stunned.  In  truth  among  them  there 
was  only  one,  if  any,  who  rightly  interpreted  events. 

The  world,  too,  looked  idly  on;  little  dreaming  that 
in  that  brief  suspense  the  fleeting  balancer  of  progress 


KAIUOLANI  219 

should  so  gain  with  momentum  as  to  thresh  and  shape 
without  a  break  or  jar  such  elements  of  empire  struc- 
ture as  kings  and  queens  yet  were  want  to  see. 

Here  amid  strength  and  loyalty,  an  alluring  spark 
still  smouldering  in  the  hearts  of  sturdy  patriots  was 
rapidly  fanning  into  flame.  Americans,  in  America, 
for  the  first  time  were  in  fact  challenged  to  do  honor 
in  foreign  lands.  The  fires  once  started  spread  with 
the  fury  of  a  cyclone.  Congress  turned  a  deaf  ear 
upon  tradition  and  respected  the  voice  of  a  new 
moulder.  The  press,  if  fanatical,  had  doomed  republi- 
canism: an  empire,  though  embryonic  as  yet,  was 
building  to  save  democracy. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Everywhere  throughout  America  men's  blood  ran 
hot.  It  mattered  not  that  the  rising  furor's  inception 
lay  grovelling  in  fraud  and  deceit:  whether  the  con- 
stitution forbade  expansion  or  not.  The  cause  quickly 
lost  itself  in  the  effect  wrought,  and  men  rallied  to 
save  their  flag  discredit. 

What  cared  they  for  statutes,  where  law  is  no  more 
or  other  than  crystallized  sentiment?  How  restrained 
when  executives  are  made  not  born?  When,  where, 
and  why  break  the  divining  wand  of  aggressive  better- 
ment? No;  all  the  presidents,  the  constitutions,  and 
the  traditions  of  humankind  or  divinity  could  nor 
would  restrain,  if  widen,  one  whit  the  bounds  of  col- 
lective regeneration. 

The  newspapers  had  stirred  public  conscience  to 
such  degree  that  of  universal  accord  the  nation  rose 
to  defend  its  position,  no  matter  what  the  charge. 
With  no  thought  at  first  of  planting  authority  beyond 
their  own  shores,  whisperings  to  the  contrary  at  last 
gained  credence,  openly  invited  support.  The  big 
throbbing  heart  of  untried  America  had  gone  farther 
than  they  would  or  knew ;  in  denying  the  accepted 
right  of  inheritance  elsewhere,  they  established  the 
principle  of  progression  at  home.  The  emipre,  risen, 
would  not  down ;  spontaneously  reproduced  itself  in 
the  quickening  mold  of  a  larger  if  inopportune  decay. 

The  president  angered  at  the  boldness,  as  he  termed 


KAIUOLANI  221 

it,  of  public  presumption.  He  had  been  elected  to 
do  their  thinking,  inaugurate  public  weal,  and  fiame 
the  nation's  policy.  What  of  accident  and  the  ballot 
he  believed  his  tenure,  however  disposed  or  reigned, 
no  less  than  divine. 

"Stop  this  babble  about  Hawaii,"  roared  he,  to  his 
ardently  chosen  but  individually  politic  secretary  of 
state,  Arthur  F.  Doolittle,  directly  Langdon's  official 
report  and  personal  advice  had  reached  its  utmost 
destination. 

"It  is  possible  to  control  Langdon,  but  how  about 
these  newspapers?  The  people  will  read,  you  know, 
once  they  can." 

"And  vote — as  privileged,  I  vow.  Thanks  to  su- 
perior wisdom,  that  man  Jefferson,  we  hear  about, 
was  throttled  at  the  very  outset  of  sanity.  Let  the 
mob  howl,  if  it  will ;  but,  bear  in  mind,  declarations 
do  not  constitute  law :  no  more  is  this  republic  a 
democracy !  I  would  have  you  bear  in  mind  that  rab- 
bling ends  and  government  begins  at  the  ballot  box, 
my  good  secretary.  I  am  president.  So  take  down 
the  flag  and  return  those  marines;  we  may  have  need 
for  them  at  home,  before  another  election  survives — 
the  press  is  damnable,  but  there's  a  remedy." 

The  news  strange  to  say  once  more  reached  Hono- 
lulu in  advance  of  orders.  Whichever  way  their  reso- 
lute intermeddler  turned,  his  intentions,  however  well 
guarded,  seemed  certain  of  anticipation;  particularly 
where  least  expected  or  desired :  thinking  ones  gathered 
round  the  apparently  despised  provisional  government 
and  made  ready  for  a  most  blunderingly  fore- 
shadowed scene,  while  mistaken  zeal  and  overwrought' 
enthusiasm  flamed  afresh  all  patriotic  Hawaii. 


222  KAIUOLANI 

The  queen  stubbornly  awakened,  and  Cole  bided 
calmly  striven  opportunity. 

On  the  Progressionist  side  a  certain  kind  of  force- 
ful gloom  verily  worked  toward  a  deeply  conscious 
preparation.  On  the  other  hand  an  airy  delight  in 
freedom's  humbler  compensation  carried  its  unsuspect- 
ing possessors  hard  over  against  the  border  line  be- 
tween feigned  confidence  and  seasonable  vigilance. 

Cold  necessity  revealed  time's  continuous  ebb. 

"Would  you  of  your  own  free  will  condemn  these 
men  to  die?"  asked  Langdon,  indifferently,  in  a  last 
considerate  attempt  to  gain  the  queen's  clemency. 

The  great  woman's  eyes  dimmed,  while  her  heart 
throbbed  and  voice  failed.  A  will  stronger  than  hers, 
a  duty  higher  than  man's,  and  a  being  not  of  the 
flesh  answered: 

"Yes." 

"Then  devise  the  means;  ordinary  mortals  are  not 
privileged  as  gods,  nor  shall  they  at  this  day  and 
under  my  nose  presume  to  do  the  devil's  own  work. 
Please  pardon  the  expression,  my  good  lady ;  anything 
less  emphatic,  in  my  humble  estimation,  should  cer- 
tainly sound  profane." 

Liliuokolani  laughed  a  low  guttural  laugh,  and  turn- 
ing to  her  compatriots  invited  acclamation,  none  the 
wiser  of  apparent  defeat.  She  and  not  mortality  had 
in  her  estimation  triumphed,  for  in  a  land  where 
patriotism  heeds  no  loftier  aim  than  personal  content, 
a  thing  promised  is  as  good  as  gained.  That  there 
is  no  end  to  ambition's  tempting  grasp,  she  and  her 
kind  had  not  the  temerity  to  comprehend. 

The  time  had  been  set.  America's  emblem  must  be 
disgraced:  right  re-establish  their  own. 


KAIUOLANI  223 

The  day  revealed  a  glorious  aspect  to  those  privi- 
leged with  anticipation;  the  sun  rose  big  and  red  in 
its  accustomed  place;  not  a  cloud  overhung  the 
heavens;  songs  of  joy  wafted  all  around;  the  hush 
of  night  had  left  spread  its  own  malignant  germs, 
but  the  biddings  and  reliance  of  day  looked  up  toward 
the  promise  of  warmth  and  expectancy,  with  no 
thought  of  the  mists  and  stagnation  underhanging ; 
where  lurked  and  sloughed  pregnant  quagmires  of 
despair. 

Liliuokolani  prayed  that  morning  for  the  president 
and  all  others  in  authority.  From  her  lips  the  word 
spread  till  low  gratitude  had  stilled  the  half-roused 
nobler  sentiment  of  yesterday.  These  people  were 
born  to  do  homage,  and  a  filled  cup  served  best  their 
need. 

From  every  part  of  the  Islands  they  came,  some 
blessed  perchance  with  a  little  more  than  others,  but 
all  above  want  and  none  sunken  to  the  declining  level 
of  a  scrambled  rectitude.  Old  rites  were  revived  and 
new  ones  devised.  Here  a  gorgeous  procession  did 
obsequies,  as  they  presumed,  to  a  dead  and  all  but  for- 
gotten consciousness;  some  encircled  the  palace  and 
there  sang  songs  or  strewed  flowers ;  vast  throngs  of 
the  more  curious,  but  silenced,  belabored  hard  this  or 
that  vantage  point  on  the  streets  and  avenues  leading 
toward  the  flagstaff,  but  none  felt  or  knew  the  signifi- 
cance of  that  they  beheld. 

The  growing,  seething,  listless  crown  gorged  in- 
dulgently upon  disordered  content. 

A  handful  of  whites  marched  down  through  the 
salf-making  rent  in  the  jumbled  ranks.  These  bore 
arms  reversed;  they  would  not  disobey,  though  a 


224  KAIUOLANI 

charge  filled  each  upturned  gun :  halting,  and  awaiting 
the  scene  that  strong  hearts  humbly  grieved,  their 
heads  uncovered  and  hands  ready,  a — courier  rushed 
forward,  the  bugle  sounded  and  a  tumultuous  noise 
rent  the  air;  the  mob  had  given  vent  to  its  only 
worth,  and  if  ever  might  made  right  or  an  order 
lost  its  bearing  those  sturdy  patriots  in  the  face  of 
that  flag  wrought  a  noble  deed. 

Far  away,  at  Kanai,  whence  he  had  been  spirited, 
the  better  to  nurse  a  bleeding  wound  and  revive  an 
endangered  courage,  Aokahameha  lay  low  with  mend- 
ing. A  loved  one's  father,  prince  David,  and  Bender 
her  accomplice,  parleyed  at  one  side  the  big  lodge 
where  she  herself  had  romped  and  grown  to  maiden- 
hood. The  warmed  winds  from  over  the  desert  sands 
and  off  the  tumbling  waters  in  front  lolled  and  soothed 
him  into  dreaming.  Ihoas  sat  tenderly  by. 

"The  gods  be  praised,  for  the  queen  is  restored," 
said  he,  fully  looking  the  conscious  princess  inquir- 
ingly in  the  face. 

"Yes ;  we  owe  much  to  providence,"  replied  she, 
evasively. 

"No,  no,  Ihoas;  tell  me,  are  my  words  but  mock- 
ery?" cried  he,  vainly  attempting  to  rise  from  the 
pillow  at  his  head. 

"There,  now;  you  must  not  take  on  so;  your  parr* 
is  done — well;  the  queen  shall  yet  tell  you  as  much 
with  her  Own  lips,"  urged  the  princess,  apprehensive, 
but  knowing. 

"I  did  ignobly.  Let  it  stand  that  Aokahameha 
sacrificed  honor,  intelligence,  everything,  to  pander 
hopelessly:  let  me  suffer  like  the  traitor  that  I  am; 
Ihoas  deserves  a  better  love." 


KAIUOLANI  225 

Sinking  back  again  in  bed,  the  big  man's  eyes  dulled 
with  far-off,  unsatisfied  comprehension.  Presently 
Ihoas,  clasping  gently  his  hand  and  bending  over  in 
silence,  heard  him  say,  distinctly : 

"Elmsford  is  Ihoas's;  his  eyes  are  open;  Americans 
cannot  be  trusted." 

Aokahameha's  one  prediction,  upon  that  occasion, 
had  sooner  proven  true,  though  to  him  it  remained 
unverified. 

In  the  confusion  resulting  from  the  president's  well 
exposed,  but  half  enforced  orders  Gutenborj  deemed 
it  advisable,  in  consequence  of  no  other  prospect,  to 
place  himself  directly  upon  the  queen's  side.  Kaiuo- 
lani  had  returned  and  bore  the  best  of  assurances: 
the  hardfisted  planter's  interest  above  all  else  must 
be  conserved,  hence  Young  pressed  into  a  new  leader- 
ship and  the  crown  princess  reconciled  to  an  old  love ; 
neither  of  which  seemed  a  difficult  undertaking  in 
view  of  the  queen's  ready  acquiescence  and  his  own 
hitherto  untouched  resources. 

Thus  it  was  that  Floyd  Young  had  found  it  pos- 
sible within  short  notice  to  raise  and  equip  for  hasty 
service  a  new  troop  of  five  hundred  men.  Isaacs  had 
been  stripped  of  everything  to  effect  the  other's  re- 
lease, and  now  lay  bound  and  gagged  by  the  marines 
as  a  convenient  excuse,  if  needed,  for  delaying  an 
idly  questioned  departure.  Norton  waxed  more  anx- 
ious than  ever.  The  one  that  she  cared  for  openly 
denied  an  only  rival,  and  had  he  not  barely  escaped 
her? 

"It  is  fortunate  that  I  once  befriended  her  royal 
highness,"  said  Norton,  to  herself,  with  ecstacy,  after 


226  KAIUOLANI 

a  first  personally  requested  meeting  with  the  planter 
king.  "Me?  A  go-between?  What  luck!" 

In  the  break,  occasioned  for  the  most  part  by 
Gutenborj's  advice  against  Norton,  Young  had  in  his 
own  mind  completely  relegated  the  once  duly  heeded 
philosopher.  That  he,  in  his  present  attitude, — cringing 
and  childlike, — could  personally  render  effective  aid 
to  either  the  queen  or  the  opposition  seemed  a  thing 
utterly  behind  the  trend  of  latter  requisition.  Why 
not  take  advantage  of  a  misjudged  proffer  to  use  his 
fortune  ? 

"Press  him  as  needs  be,  and  I'll  promise " 

"Your  hand  and oh  Floyd;  how  I  have  waited 

and  tried  for  this!" 

"I  was  about  to  say:  an  army.  That  is  the  first 
requisite.  All  delectation  hinges  upon  accomplish- 
ment. Force  of  some  kind  or  manner  lies  behind 
every  privilege.  You  have  earned  the  highest  felici- 
ties at  my  disposal;  but  let  me  prove  in  truth  a  hand 
before  you  would  deign  accept  on  trial  the  heart." 

Norton  blushed;  not  with  disappointment,  but  at 
the  price  exacted  of  an  under-help.  Man  might  reason 
himself  superior,  in  fact  make  himself  such,  but  sooner 
or  later  fate  must  resolve  the  equalities  of  patient 
endeavor. 

"I'll  build,  encourage,  and  cherish  him:  Kaiuolani 
could  but  hate,  retard,  and  destroy;  she  is  impolitic, 
and  policy  lies  at  the  foundation  of  all  worldly  ap- 
preciation :  for  all  we  know,  or  would,  the  heavens 
measure  recognition  with  the  same  yardstick  used  on 
earth.  Up  and  at  it,  then,  with  the  grace  of  a  kind," 
said  she,  to  herself,  bidding  Young  attend  his  part; 
as  there  should  be  no  failing  of  funds  so  long  as 


KAIUOLANI  227 

Gutenborj  reasoned;  or,  thought  she,  "obstacle  in 
the  way  of  my  own  attainment  if  Kaiuolani  be  the 
only  rival." 

The  plan  worked  admirably,  as  they  all  thought, 
though  the  princess  puzzled  her  inquisitor  severely 
and  provoked  Gutenborj  not  a  little  from  the  first 
attempt  hence. 

"I  love  you,  aunty,  and  am  ready  to  die,  if  needs 
be,  for  you ;  but  please  remember  that  my  heart  is  my 
own  and  that  it  will  be  not  at  all  unlike  me  to  choose 
the  manner  of  sacrifice." 

"What  do  you  mean,  child?"  queried  the  queen, 
much  disturbed. 

"Give  me  the  command  of  this  proposed  soldiery, 
and  I  shall  put  an  end  to  strife  hereabouts.  Now, 
then ;  you  have  my  ultimatum ;  what  is  your  pleasure?" 
replied  the  princess,  as  Gutenborj  emerged  clandes- 
tinely from  an  adjoining  room. 

"Nonsense !  Woman  can  better  rock  the  cradle," 
proffered  he,  coming  forward  vehemently. 

"Thanks.  Others  before  you  have  said  as  much, 
but  I  still  have  a  chance.  Bender — 

"Kaiuolani !"  interceded  the  good  queen,  unable 
longer  to  contemplate  further  possibilities. 

"Very  well,"  ejaculated  Gutenborj.  "But,  I  might 
say — if  it  can  in  any  manner  serve  as  an  encourage- 
ment to  you — that  Young  is  in  command  and  already 
holds,  beyond  dislodgment,  the  state  house  and  all 
there  is  in  it :  possession  is  nine  points  in  law,  and 
sanity  compels  your  humble  servant  to  get  and  keep 
in  line  with  order,  every  time,  if  I  know  myself, 
my  good  lady,  so  don't  count  on  me." 

Kaiuolani  refused  longer  to  parley,  and  politely  de- 


228  KAIUOLANI 

parting  from  the  palace  made  haste  to  see  and  advise 
the  still  loyal,  if  indignant  Elmsford. 

"I  am  departing  for  America,  on  to-day's  outgoing 
steamer,"  said  she,  after  a  little,  wholly  convinced. 
"Please  see  Ihoas,  and  advise  her  of  my  intentions 
and  sympathy." 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Upon  arriving  in  America  a  second  time,  though 
absent  but  a  few  short  weeks,  it  seemed  as  if  some 
overpowering  influence,  something  larger,  more  ef- 
fective and  evasive  than  humans  could  or  should  know 
and  comprehend  had  seized  upon  and  changed  the 
fate  of  government. 

All  this  appeared  to  Kaiuolani  as  in  a  trance. 

At  San  Francisco, — her  place  of  landing, — the  news- 
papers set  their  headlines  with  type  bigger  and  blacker 
than  any  she  had  theretofore  seen.  The  shout  of 
freedom  everywhere  arose  from  hardset  lips.  The 
very  activities  on  the  streets  portended  larger  unreal- 
ized claims. 

"In  heaven's  name,  what  sort  of  license  do  these 
people  want?  I  know  of  no  place  on  earth  where 
men  are  not  privileged  to  do  right.  Certainly  at  my 
small  birthplace  such  a  thing  as  bondage  is  unknown — 
never  was.  Then  why  this  clamor  about  liberty? 
there  lies  a  deeper  wellspring  than  Hawaii,"  said 
Kaiuolani,  half-consciously,  as  the  vitally  suggestive, 
comfortably  appointed,  pulsating  train,  in  which  she 
rode,  swiftly  carried  her  over  land  and  water,  across 
voiceless  wastes  and  round  unresponsive  heights, 
toward  an  endlessly  enervating  destiny. 

Answering  to  will-call  alone,  the  newly  inspired, 
perchance  reasonably  dissatisfied  princess  leaned  back 
in  the  car  seat,  and  looking  out  at  the  window  con- 


230  KAIUOLANI 

templated  the  possibilities  of  such  a  horde  should  am- 
bition overstep  the  bounds  of  individual  interest  and 
self-contended  place.  To  what  purpose  might  not 
such  a  people  awaken ;  or,  in  fact,  heights  attain. 

The  dawn  seemed  wrapped  and  fettered  with  an 
endless  chain  of  unrealized  possibilities,  yet  a  faint 
light  began  to  break  the  gloom  as  sometimes  distant 
hope  gratifies  a  stricken  conscience,  and  Kaiuolani 
resolved  to  meet  and  determine  as  best  she  knew  her 
little  part  and  place. 

"I  think,"  said  she,  barely  listening  to  the  trend 
of  an  inner  thought,  "I  deign  fairly  see  America's 
rising  orb — scarcely  entering,  boldly  disclosing  an  in- 
separable, if  inherited  horison:  no  agency  without 
or  factor  within  appears  to  reveal  an  attendant  mag- 
nitude or  attraction  sufficient  to  check  or  alter  one  whit 
her  humanly  transcendant  march  down  through  the 
welkin  of  a  divinely  provisioned  nebula:  thriving  m 
a  field  as  boundless  as  fertile,  push  has  made  him  what 
he  is,  and  the  same  energies,  directed  and  inspired 
heroically,  would  drive  his  empire  on  and  over  the 
crackling  bones  of  a  pinched  and  scarce-knowing 
world's  autocracy.  Americans  wax  supreme. 

What  in  the  conflict  might  her  own  dire  land  do 
best?  Better  lay  its  hopes  and  aspirations  as  kindling 
to  the  spark  that  portended  conflagration. 

The  serpent  coiled,  its  forked  tongue  lipped,  and 
fixed  gaze  bewildered :  Kaiuolani  stood  motionless  and 
her  enticer  willed  his  prey. 

"I  came  a  seeker:  the  matchless  bounty  that  lures, 
claims  me,  rivets  self  a  hostage.  My  God,  what  is 
the  charm!  Whence  my  haven?  How  reach  the 
sublime?" 


KAIUOLANI  231 

At  Washington  the  streets  were  thronged ;  idle  men 
lauded  themselves  into  headless  armies,  marching  from 
everywhere,  apparently  ineffective,  upon  the  capitol; 
a  few,  with  brows  knitted  or  eyes  beaming,  gathered 
in  orderly  fashion — these  Kaiuolani  observed  to 
emerge  with  pleasing  expression ;  the  president  roared 
and  backed,  at  bay :  none  bore  him  confidence,  not 
a  man  or  faction  heeded  his  advice ;  the  whole  machin- 
ery of  state  seemed  ready  to  break — Kaiuolani  paused 
at  the  threshold,  level  heads  adjusted  the  values,  the 
old  ship  made  ready  to  head-on,  and  the  larger  thoaght 
loomed  in  the  foreground. 

Away,  back  in  Hawaii,  where  only  a  short  week 
hence  all  the  possibilities  of  life,  as  opened  to  her, 
apparently  centered  in  a  single  purpose,  Floyd  Young 
hotly  forged  toward  the  same  enlarged  idea,  though 
the  craft  in  which  he  launched  should  prove  a  leaking 
hulk,  already  sighted  and  fairly  prepared  to  sink  and 
drift  in  the  foremost  runners  wake. 

At  Norton's  hands  Gutenborj  had  furnished  the 
funds  and  Chairman  Cole  the  occasion  to  raise  him  to 
a  respectable  leadership  under  the  auspices  of  a  linger- 
ing provisional  government. 

Uhlrix  became  his  friend — the  need  of  it  stared 
Young  in  the  face:  just  what  prompted  the  former 
to  hold  the  marines  at  his  beck  and  call,  in  the  face 
of  orders  from  Washington,  they  both  seemingly  in- 
tended a  sophisticated  public  to  surmise,  if  interested. 

A  few  stragglers  from  the  disbanded  Rifles  once 
more  enlisted  on  provision  of  pay;  there  were  some 
missionaries  more  enthusiastic  than  discreet,  but  the 
rest  of  Young's  five  hundred  came  from — no  one 
claimed  to  know. 


232  KAIUOLANI 

The  little  band  stood  organized  and  equipped.  A 
strange  signal  sounded  from  afar,  and  their  com- 
mander springing  into  the  stirrups,  as  on  another  day, 
ordered  the  advance. 

The  American  flag  came  down. 

Strange  pickets  quickly  surrounded  the  place,  and 
those  rilled  with  the  pride  of  country  or  inspired  by 
reverence  to  deplore  an  abuse  abhorred,  turned  their 
backs  or  hung  the  head  in  disgraceful  accord. 

The  marines,  attending  the  flag  lowering,  retired 
into  camp,  and  Young  grappled  with  opportunity. 

At  last  he  stood  master;  Gutenborj  had  for  the 
first  time  committed  himself;  unconsciously  assumed 
the  aggressive:  without  intending  as  much  had  tied 
hand  and  foot  to  measures  and  responsibilities  he 
would  dodge ;  Young  looked  keenly  deep  into  the 
situation,  and  drove  hard  ahead  under  an  only  too 
subtle  advantage. 

Cole  alone,  of  those  at  hand  whose  station  or  in- 
terests warranted,  dared  offer  resistance  to  the  fired- 
up  general's  growing  ambition. 

"Would  you  make  yourself  dictator?"  meekly 
queried  the  conscience-stricken  chairman,  confronting 
advisedly  at  last  his  newly  risen  adjutant. 

"I  would  make  you  president,  had  you  the  courage 
to  take  advantage  of  a  very  great  need,"  declared 
Young,  candidly. 

Slow  of  comprehension,  Cole  did  not  grasp  at  once 
quite  the  meaning  of  that  reply.  He  had  taken  the 
relegated  young  colonel,  of  doubtful  proclivities,  into 
his  confidence  and  as  a  progressionist  reinvested  him 
with  both  rank  and  authority,  not  at  all  in  conse- 
quence of  any  particular  respect  for  his  personality 


KAIUOLANI  233 

or  hold  upon  the  future,  but  solely  because  in  him 
and  through  him  he  conjectured  the  readiest  means 
with  which  to  break  down  local  antagonisms,  dis- 
creetly or  otherwise  standing  in  the  way  of  final  an- 
nexation to  the  United  States. 

It  was  this  latter  thought,  and  that  only,  which 
had  in  the  first  instance  prompted  him  to  accept  a 
chairmanship  so  fraught  with  possibilities :  to  that 
end  and  no  other  he  would  now  make  any  concession, 
bend  every  energy. 

"Very  well,"  said  he,  after  a  time,  having  reasoned 
long  but  well  the  probable  consequences ;  "I  am  at 
your  service." 

The  intelligence  wrung  out  of  Young,  apropos  that 
final  word,  more  than  justified  Cole's  surprising  con- 
cession ;  there  was  no  alternative ;  armies  rule. 

That  night  a  special  issue  of  the  Ware  Wizzard 
Wise  disclosed  an  astounding  bit  of  intelligence,  pub- 
lished a  call  for  delegates  to  a  new  kind  of  national 
convention ;  Norton,  too,  had  felt  the  hand  of  mastery, 
and  begun  to  utilize  the  powers  of  larger  love.  Uhlrix 
ordered  the  last  of  the  marines  on  board  his  flag- 
ship— there  seemed  no  further  need  or  advisability  of 
their  lending  assistance — the  whites,  under  the  forced 
encouragement  of  Giitenborj,  flocked  to  Young's  sup- 
port, and  the  constitution — an  altogether  new  one — 
suddenly  sprang  into  possible  reality.  Aristocracy 
had  stopped  short  of  restitution,  and  the  Republic 
rose  instead. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Amazed  and  terror  stricken  everybody  cowered 
or  ran  to  cover  under  stress  of  Cole's  surprising 
growth.  Upon  the  floor  or  in  the  lobbies  his  will 
soon  came  to  resolving  their  actions,  and  without 
questioning  motives  or  denying  the  inspiration  every 
man  not  in  sympathy  with  stagnation  found  himself 
unknowingly  and  irrevocably  bound  to  a  single  dicta- 
tion. 

The  division  seemed  fairly  made;  with  few  excep- 
tions the.  hopeful,  progressive  whites  were  rallied  and 
driven  as  only  progress  demands.  The  natives  still 
groped  in  darkness.  Their  Messiah  did  not  mate- 
rialize. 

From  behind  an  abandoned  throne  the  queen  feebly 
protested,  but  Cole  read  the  new  declaration  aloud 
from  the  court  house  steps,  and  without  a  dissenting 
voice  (none  being  permitted  such,  except  he  swore 
allegiance  to  the  new  regime)  was  elected  president, 
and  Young  turned  his  attention  to  larger  doings. 

"This  new  Fourth  of  July  only  marks  the  beginning 
of  my  career,"  said  he,  earnestly  but  discreetly,  to 
Norton,  a  few  days  after  the  date  of  their  proclaimed, 
independence. 

They  were  sitting  on  the  upper  veranda,  at  the 
big  hotel  where  Norton  lived  and  chose  to  entertain. 
The  deposed  Royal  Band  occupied  a  stand  in  the 
foreground — they  were  now  glad  of  a  living  and 


KAIUOLANI  235 

played  with  energy,  but  the  melody  of  an  unforgotten 
past  ladened  each  strain  with  yearnings  that  reached 
and  touched  the  heart  cords  of  defeated  and  victor- 
ious alike. 

"I  wish  the  management  would  dispense  with  that 
out-of-date  music,"  replied  Norton,  purposely  ignor- 
ing Young's  remark;  "I  hate  bygones,  and  these  poor 
Hawaiians  rouse  unpleasant  memories." 

"You  are  too  hard,  altogether,  Norton,"  remarked 
Young,  concernedly.  ''Give  them  a  chance — they  are 
but  rinding  their  level." 

"General,  have  you  forgotten?  It  is  'Martha'  you 
are  addressing." 

"Oh,  yes;  excuse  me;  'Martha'  it  is,  as  promised. 
Well  Martha,  as  I  was  saying,  these  people  must 
live; — there  is  no  occasion,  that  I  know  of,  for  their 
extermination; — and,  as  they  prove  their  fitness,  I 
have  a  mind  to  take  them  over." 

"Kaiuolani,  as  well?"  ventured  Norton,  facetiously. 

"Bender  shall  attend  to  her — if  he  succeeds  in  es- 
caping me :  I  hear  he  is  leaving  on  the  next  steamer." 

Norton  made  no  reply,  though  Young,  in  a  polite 
manner,  stared  her  fairly  out  of  countenance.  He 
wanted  Bender  rid  of,  and  knew  of  no  better  or 
swifter  means  than  permitting  or  inducing  a  voluntary 
or  devised  going  abroad.  Once  out,  he  himself  should 
take  care  to  see  that  he  did  not  soon  return,  if  at 
all:  Kaiuolani  would  not;  she  had  no  reason  for  the 
doing  of  so  rash  a  thing. 

Presently  a  messenger  ran  up  and,  saluting,  said: 

"His  excellency,  the  president,  desires  your  presence 
at  the  mansion." 


236  KAIUOLANI 

"Tell  Cole  that  I  shall  be  at  army  headquarters 
within  a  short  half-hour." 

"I  may  as  well  have  it  out  with  him,  now,"  said 
Young,  to  Norton,  immediately  the  messenger  had 
gone. 

Norton  again  denied  him  the  satisfaction  of  a  reply. 
Possibly  she  may  have  expected  her  turn  to  come 
next,  but  if  so  was  most  agreeably  disappointed;  for, 
admonishing  a  strict  censorship  over  the  press,  and 
hinting  the  possibility  of  a  speedy  marriage  between 
Wayntro  and  Uena-O-Zan,  he  arose  and  bade  her 
a  hasty  good-afternoon. 

The  distance  from  the  hotel  was  not  great  and 
Young  chose  to  walk,  as  he  was  want  to  do  always, 
with  head  down,  when  alone  and  burdened  with 
thought. 

Presently  while  rounding  a  deserted  corner,  about 
midway  thence,  the  crack  of  a  rifle  startled  him  into 
consciousness. 

The  bullet  barely  grazed  his  head,  and  Young 
dropped  as  if  dead. 

Lying  there,  unarmed,  the  suspense  drove  hard  upon 
him  his  folly.  The  ruse,  however,  availed  him,  and 
at  the  sound  of  retreating  footsteps  in  the  nearby 
brush  the  thoroughly  frightened  general  scrambled 
to  his  feet  and  proceeding  without  further  hindrance 
or  harm  toward  the  armory  marvelled  the  experience. 

There  he  found  Cole,  accompanied  by  Gutenborj, 
impatiently  waiting. 

"What  is  the  meaning  of  your  reply,  to  a  presi- 
dent's message  ?"  demanded  his  excellency,  hotly. 

"It  means  that  hereafter  Cole  seeks  Young,  I  take 


KAIUOLANI  237 

it,  upon  reflection — are  you  agreed:  do  you  under- 
stand, Mr.  President?" 

"That  is,  evidently,  your  interpretation;  but,  is  it 
right,  is  it  politic?" 

"Under  the  circumstances,  yes." 

"Is  our  republic  different  from  any  other — the 
United  States  for  instance?" 

"I  hadn't  stopped  to  think  of  that:  this  one,  how- 
ever, is  modeled  after  a  pattern  strictly  mine1 — I  am 
not  particularly  interested  in  the  United  States,  that 
I  know  of." 

Cole's  spirit  sank.  He  thought  of  the  army — their 
government's  only  hope — and  of  how  apparently  every 
available  recruit  had  hurried  to  enlist,  and  now  stood 
ready  and  eager  to  do  a  risen  comrade's  bidding.  The 
very  consciousness  of  Young's  tactics  and  his  own 
feeble  recourse  drove  cold  the  thought.  Would  or 
could  the  world  learn  to  accept  diplomacy  and  de- 
nounce the  brutal  exigencies  of  war?  Gutenborj's 
frozen  countenance  sufficed.  Man  must  regenerate. 
Till  then,  the  cord  is  broken. 

They  sat  in  silence.  No  one  dared  answer.  Not 
men,  but  ambitions  were  at  stake.  Young  resumed : 

"I  grant  we  are  only  human,  therefore  let  reason 
guide,  if  the  will  move  us.  You,  gentlemen,  each' 
one  of  you,  thoroughly  representative,  have  your  aims : 
I  have  mine.  Who  shall  determine  the  right?" 

"God,"  said  Cole,  reverently. 

"And  I  shall  endeavor  to  gain  His  decision :  the 
army  is  at  call, — I  have  no  further  need  in  that 
respect, — but  I  would  have  two  first  class  assistants. 
Are  you  prepared?" 

"For  what?"  asked  Cole,  interestedly. 


238  KAIUOLANI 

"The  building  of  empire." 

"Where?" 

"Here,  in  Polynesia." 

"But  this  is  a  republic?" 

"And  but  the  means  to  an  end — as  all  republics 
are,"  replied  Young,  with  lighter  heart. 

"Good  boy!"  shouted  Gutenborj,  springing  to  his 
feet,  enthusiastically.  "I  always  believed  you  should 
come  to  some  great  end.  Where  do  I  stand?" 

"On  the  right;  I  must  have  funds,  first  of  all: 
next,  men.  Cole  is  left — lieutenant." 

"Truly  said,  and — accepted." 

"You  shall  sit  with  the  gods,  for  as  men  sacrifice 
they  reap." 

Here  were  three  men  planning  the  destinies  of  a 
nation, — of  nations,  as  time  should  prove, — two  of 
whom  did  as  one  willed.  They  were  but  flesh  and 
blood, — as  others  are, — of  about  the  same  stature, 
mentally  and  morally.  Born  of  conventional 
parentage,  bred  in  the  belief  that  all  men  are  equal, 
inspired  with  notions  of  progress,  they  had  in  some 
unaccountable  way  converged  at  a  common  point, 
under  favorable  auspices.  What  should  we  call  it? 

Young  believed  that  individual  will  power  were 
enough  to  raise  every  man  to  any  height — as  meas- 
used  by  standards  proportionately  co-ordinating  in  ac- 
cidental opportunity. 

The  world  seemed  good  to  live  in,  a  prison  had 
taught  him  severely  the  lesson  of  conscience,  and  vvith 
no  other  fear  than  failure  he  would  drive  hard  the 
limit  of  a  self-provisioned  endurance. 

The  light  that  radiated  round  his  little  sphere  served 
truly  as  a  beacon  at  night. 


KAIUOLANI  239 

But  day  dawned. 

In  America,  where  men's  hearts  aimed  at  liberty, — 
the  master  that  heeds  no  other  god  than  truth, — a 
force  already  builded,  created  opportunity,  and  willed 
not  at  all  beyond  the  ken  of  presidents  or  leaders. 
Kaiuolani  saw  more  and  knew  better  than  Young 
verily  imagined. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

There  the  whole  populace  appeared  to  have  taken 
up  arms  against  their  executive;  for  a  lowering  of 
that  flag  in  the  nearby  Pacific,  had  effectively  turned 
pride  into  hatred. 

Their  countrymen  had  planted  it,  right  or  wrong, 
to  stay :  as  evidenced  by  the  native  element's  inability 
to  prevent  another's  taking  its  place.  Young's  final 
coup  had  proven  to  all  Americans  at  home  conclusively 
the  wisdom  of  Harvenoiq's  supposed  initial  inter- 
ference. 

Designing  politicians  and  interested  spectators  every- 
where advantaged  themselves  and  weakened  the  ad- 
ministration by  antagonizing  credits  and  curtailing 
investments.  Another  election  loomed  close  at  hand. 
Idle  men  crying  for  bread  on  the  one  hand,  and 
patriotic  citizens  shouting  the  freedom  of  Hawaii  on 
the  other,  cut  short  the  president's  oldtime  influence. 
The  would-be  sage  at  the  White  House  and  attempted 
patron  of  autocracy  roared  defiant  at  the  touch  and 
take  of  inadvertent  omission. 

Kaiuolani  purposely  held  aloof ;  a  constantly  in- 
creasing comprehension,  in  truth  convinced  her  that 
neither  kings  nor  presidents  could  nor  should  stay 
or  deny  the  inevitableness  of  public  will.  Floyd 
Young  might  for  the  time  being  raise  himself  above 
the  good  of  country,  and  perchance  the  president  of 
the  United  States  abuse  confidence  temporarily,  but 


KAIUOLANI  241 

in  the  end  those  who  laid  an  ear  most  closely  to  the 
unmistakable  soundingboard  of  universal  sentiment 
should  finally  triumph  over  individual  belief  of  what- 
soever kind  or  import. 

She  lingered  and  Bender  came  upon  the  scene, 
clandestinely  and — enthusiastic. 

"You  are  wasting  your  time  here,  Kaiuolani.  These 
people  are  not  in  sympathy  with  your  cause,  and  their 
executive  is  bound  underhandedly  to  the  interests 
responsible  for  his  election.  It  is  a  give  and  take 
proposition,  and  you  have  nothing  to  offer — except, 
perhaps,  it  were  possible  for  you  to  accept  and  avail 
yourself  of  my  fortune,  which  I  beg  the  privilege  of 
placing  at  your  disposal." 

"No ;  I  had  sooner  take  you— there  could  be  no  dis- 
grace in  that;  now  my  rank  is  gone:  my  heart  is 
stone ;  would  you  like  me  ?" 

"This  is  not  at  all  a  jesting  .matter,  with  me,  Kaiuo- 
lani. I  am  serious,  though  you  have  had  occasion 
to  believe  me  wholly  mercenary.  There  was  a  time 
when  borrowed  or,  shall  I  say,  married  station  would 
have  satisfied  me;  but,  I  pray  you,  let  me  now  prove 
my  sincerity.  I  can  put  an  end  to  foreign  meddling, 
so  far  as  we  are  concerned,  and  Young  is " 

"A  traitor !  Fie  on  him,  and  his  kind.  I  hate  him ! 
God  shall  surely  strike  them." 

Bender  did  not  finish  the  sentence,  though  he 
really  believed  Young  a  dead  man,  and  buried,  too, 
at  that  very  moment.  Kaiuolani  had,  however,  broken 
the  spell  and  prudence  saved  him  the  consequence 
of  an  incorrigible  blunder. 

"You  didn't  think  so,  once  upon  a  time,"  replied 
he,  with  returning  confidence.  "Had  you  reasoned 


242  KAIUOLANI 

differently  then — but  in  that  case  Bender  might  not 
have  had  an  opportunity  to  prove  his  worth." 

"A  woman  never  reasons." 

uShe  is  right,  nine  times  in  ten,  though — just  as 
you  were  when  you  first  declined,  as  you  do  no\v,  my 
favors." 

"I  had  rather  you  won  than  bought  your  spurs." 

"Good.  Now  then :  there  is  one  thing  you'll  promise : 
poison  Elmsford " 

"Against  the  republic?  That  is  easy,  if  you  are 
quite  agreed." 

"I  can  trust  you." 

"How  confiding!" 

"I  haven't  told  you  my  plans,  though." 

"Nor  would  I  have  you  do  so — however  much  I 
believe  you  ought  to  begin  with  the  United  States, 
as  you  would  have  me  influence  Elmsford ;  American 
recognition  might  go  a  long  way  toward  establishing 
Young's  regime.  Prevent  that,  and  I  shall  believe 
you  worthy  of — well,  most  any  old  thing." 

Having  sooner  conceived  and  determined  a  scheme 
larger  and  better  than  his,  Kaiuolani  inwardly  shrank 
from  seeming  impossibilities,  thus  outwardly  may  have 
assumed  an  apparently  astonishing  attitude;  for  no 
other  living  soul  whom  she  knew  could  or  wou!».l 
serve  as  Bender  should  the  means  to  a  desired  end. 

They  had  both  set  upon  Young's  downfall.  He, 
solely  because  he  believed  that  were  enough  to  win 
Kaiuolani — but  she,  in  view  of  an  ultimatum  to  her 
of  larger  consequence. 

The  wailings  and  the  admonitions  of  eighty  mil- 
lions inspired  her:  Young  heard  and  voiced  only  the 
askings  of  one  little  plea.  Self  had  conquered  both, 


KAIUOLANI  243 

but  the  starting  point  of  each  had  been  as  widely 
distant  as  the  race  is  swift.  Either  would  sacrifice 
anything,  everything  to  win,  and  had  Bender  been 
as  guilty  as  he  believed  himself  Kaiuolani  would  yet 
lay  even  love  at  his  feet  to  crush  a  foe  and  reinaugu- 
rate  the  liberties  that  gave  her  being. 

"No,  Bender,"  said  she  after  a  little,  neither  one 
having  fully  recovered  the  effect  of  her  last  remark; 
"I  would  not  have  you  believe  me  always  fickle.  I 
too  desire  to  do  a  real  woman's  part,  but  before 
you  and  I  can  think  of  our  little  selves  we  must 
attend  to  striven  duty.  Go  back  to  my  people  and 
tell  them  that  you  do  not  falter:  the  influence  that  I 
alone  may  exert  at  Washington  shall  make  you  pos- 
sible. You  know  thus  far  my  plans,  and  I  yours. 
What  the  future  holds,  let  truth  itself  unfold." 

"I  believe  I  understand  you,"  replied  he,  truth- 
fully. "I  came  here  to  reveal  an  undertaking  that 
you  have  sooner  anticipated.  We  are  agreed  in  every- 
thing except  its  inauguration.  I  had  desired  bringing 
the  administration, — you  know  money  talks  in  Amer- 
ica,— but  as  you  have  conceived  wiser  I  shall  return, 
as  you  suggest,  and  trust  me,  Kaiuolani,  there  shall 
be  no  failure  thence — true  chivalry  lies  deep  in  re- 
spect." 

Upon  Bender's  going,  as  he  had  come,  Kaiuolani 
brightened  with  fresh  encouragement.  She  believed 
him  capable  of  playing  his  part,  and  well;  and  now 
that  so  much  depended  upon  her  she  directly  turned 
all  attention  to  the  big  gnarly  president,  her  only  hope. 

On  the  other  hand  the  newly  found  champion  sped 
returning  toward  Hawaii,  the  place  whence,  but  a 
few  days  ago,  he  had  departed,  yearning  and  un- 


244  KAIUOLANI 

certain.  Kaiuolani's  assurances  now  displaced  doubt 
and  possessed  him  with  a  better  courage;  nor  was 
his  withered  conscience  wholly  devoid  of  character; 
he  should  have  in  turn  relieved  her  of  further  duties 
or  burdens  distasteful  had  he  not  foreshadowed  a 
danger — and  Bender  courted  success  at  any  cost. 

Landing  at  Honolulu  in  confidence  bolstered  with 
connivance,  the  police  grabbed  their  intended  victim. 
Young  was  on  the  lookout,  and  before  Bender  could 
realize  it  or  comprehend  his  escape,  another  had  been 
thrust  into  jail,  heavily  ironed  and  doubly  guarded. 

"I   have  got   you   now,"   said  Young,   confidently, 
upon   entering  the   darkened   cell,  late  that  evening, 
alone  and  unobserved.     "You  thought  me  dead,  but 
you  see  me  risen.     Yes;  alive,  as  a  result  of  you 
bad  marksmanship ;  and,  I  am  going  to  kill  you !" 

"No  you're  not;  Floyd  Young  wouldn't  kill  any- 
body, much  less  one  in  irons.  Come,  what  do  you 
want  of  me?"  replied  the  prisoner  without  a  quaver. 

"Those  papers;  you  undertook  to  guard,  so  gra- 
ciously. Where  are  they?" 

"Norton  can  tell  you  that;  she  must  have  them 
by  this  time." 

"Liar!" 

"A  pretty  speech — for  a  gentleman." 

"It  is  in  vogue — and,  virtue  abides  recognition,  I 
assume." 

"When  questioned?" 

"The  underdog  is  disbelieved — I  can  give  or  take." 

"Strike,  then!" 

"A  woman?  Not  I;  yet  I  have  a  mind  to  unmask 
you." 

"Floyd!    I  couldn't  help  it." 


KAIUOLANI  245 

"And  you  have  served  me,  though  jealousy  prove 
the  means  of  our  undoing.  I'll  not  ask  the  reason. 
Let  bygones  be  such,  and — well  it  is  that  Kaiuolani 
had  not  played  me  the  trick;  I  could  never  have  for- 
given her,  as  I  shall  you." 

"Nor  love  her  as  you  do  me?" 

"No;  not  as  you;  that  would  be  impossible.  But, 
have  you  the  papers?  We  must  quit  this  place; 
Bender  is  at  large,  and  Kaiuolani — what  of  her?" 

Norton  boldly  walked  from  her  cell,  disguised  and 
in  company  with  Young,  her  ready  protector,  notwith- 
standing the  incident  soon  reached  and  roused  Cole, 
their  astonished  president,  if  not  some  others  less  in 
authority. 

Love  knows  no  alternate. 

As  Kaiuolani,  too,  had  good  reason  to  exemplify; 
for  out  of  anticipation  there  arose  silently  but  force- 
fully a  success  gentler,  more  fanciful  than  lone  realiza- 
tion had  ever  brought:  base  gratitude  worked  its 
pitiful  compensation;  and  in  her  mind  Bender  soon 
glorified  by  deed  a  just  if  bitter  appreciation. 

Surrendering  wholly  to  the  demands  of  conscience 
and  believing  herself  obligated  inviolably,  body  and 
soul,  to  the  man  who  dared  brave  death  that  she 
might  attain  the  half  she  really  conceived,  Kaiuolani 
faced  round  and  turned  progress  with  a  confidence 
which  comes  we  know  not  whence  or  how,  but  evolves 
solely  within  the  driven  reach  of  stern  responsibility 
alone. 

Her  associations  at  Washington  had  been  most  con- 
fidential and  agreeable,  secretly  placing  her  in  a  posi- 
tion to  reach  and  influence  the  president  without  its 
being  at  all  necessary  for  her  personally  to  intrude 


246  KAIUOLANI 

or  suggest  a  wish — very  happily  so,  as  all  thought 
and  every  expedient  supposedly  must  originate  within 
the  halo  of  his  own  masterly  comprehension. 

There  should,  however,  be  some  apparent  ground 
upon  which  he  might  base  a  reasonable  presumption: 
Kaiuolani  pondered. 

"I  shall  draft  a  letter,  submitting  to  congress  an 
impossible  appeal.  My  personal  grievances  and  their 
innate  helplessness  should  rouse  the  president's  sym- 
pathies. Some  friend  may  suggest  a  remedy.  He 
must  refuse  Young  recognition,  and  Bender  shall  do 
the  rest,"  said  she,  to  herself,  bursting  out  with 
exuberance. 

Losing  not  a  moment,  the  conjuring  elements  that 
should  resolve  a  last  triumph  had  scarcely  rippled  the 
surface  before  American  interference  ended  and  the 
U.  S.  S.  Bonton  weighed  anchor  for  home.  Their 
president  did  as  Kaiuolani  willed,  and  the  republic 
failed  to  gain  recognition. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Thus  the  new  thought  rooted  and  spread  as  Kaiuo- 
lani  had  foreseen  and  chosen.  That  the  giant  forces 
within  its  provisioned  reach  should  drive  and  take 
where  least  resistance  held,  science  clearly  demon- 
strated. American,  expansion  throve  and  grew  in- 
carnate. 

Young  halted  at  the  brink.  Not  to  hear  and  heed, 
though  the  roar  and  din  of  ordination  across  the 
seas  had  warned  him  timely;  nor  as  a  test  in  the 
crucible  of  conscience,  but  Kaiuolani  had  bidden  him 
do,  and  if  she  no  longer  bore  any  relations  to  his 
actions  her  words  seered  deeply  the  soul. 

"I  am  destined  leader,"  said  he,  to  the  rallying 
elements,  standing  ready  and  observent,  "and  no  sordid 
interests  shall  stay  or  deaden  the  wellspring  of  lofty 
citizenship.  Rise  Polynesia,  courage  countrymen,  to 
establish  and  defend  your  home !" 

They  swore  allegiance,  and  the  frail  Kaiuolani  five 
thousand  or  more  miles  distant  mocked  defiantly  the 
spirit  wafting  thither  the  message. 

"Hang  he  shall !"  declared  she,  boldly  speeding 
toward  her  home,  the  land  that  he  would  claim  as 
empire. 

"You  are  my  prisoner,"  whispered  Young,  as  the 
startled  princess  gravely  tripped  the  gangplank  at 
Honolulu,  her  chosen  place  of  landing. 

"Yours?      No.      And    you    are    a    vagabond,    with 


248  KAIUOLANI 

neither  heart  nor  hand;  God  forgave  you  the  one, 
a  power  higher  than  man  shall  save  me  the  other. 
Do  you  hear  me?"  replied  Kaiuolani,  with  no  thought 
of  the  consequences. 

Self -accused  and  smote  in  will  the  strong  man  at 
last  wavered,  and  chose  to  have  done  with  strife; 
the  trees,  the  birds,  and  the  air  around  essayed  to 
call  forth  freedom's  way — Kaiuolani's  eyes  danced 
and  freshened  with  the  glow  of  inordinate  being;  but 
Norton  saved  him. 

"Shackle  her,"  snarled  the  editress,  confident  in 
her  hold  upon  escheated  love. 

Having  come  into  their  lives  at  sympathy's  door, 
none  harbored  feelings  as  dead  or  deeds  as  fickle  as 
she.  Kaiuolani  had  fallen  at  her  rise,  and  the  dip 
of  exultation  kindled  hatred,  like  dregs  fire  an  unsatis- 
fied thirst. 

"Shackle  her!"  repeated  Norton,  gloating  to  taunt 
an  abused  sister. 

"No,  no.     I  will  not,"  cried  Young,  pathetically. 

Kaiuolani  raised  her  eyes  from  the  dread  ground, 
whence  she  had  fervently  implored  the  spirit  of  old 
Kamehameha.  Young  flushed,  and  thwarted  her  gaze, 
She  advanced  and  he  backed. 

"You  are  a  coward  and  cannot,"  said  the  princess, 
coldly  cognizant. 

"Then  I  shall,"  replied  Norton,  unexpectedly  au- 
thoritative. "Men,  I  command  you :  arrest  this  person 
and  hold  her  prisoner  at  the  palace." 

Cole  forthwith  very  gladly  and  wisely  sanctioned  her 
commitment;  whereupon  the  proud  princess,  over- 
whelmed and  checked,  was  haled  into  a  confinement 
that,  strange  to  say,  not  only  gave  her  the  freedom 


KAIUOLANI  249 

of  the  one  place  she,  most  of  all,  just  then  sought, 
but  brought  her  into  an  otherwise,  at  that  time,  im- 
possible communication  with  the  queen  herself ;  Liiiuo- 
kolani  had  sooner  been — fortunately,  as  it  proved  to 
be — accorded  a  like  untimely  treatment. 

The  two  women  met,  rejoiceful,  and  eager,  but 
did  not  embrace. 

Outside,  a  murky  haze  hung  low,  and  thickened 
under  apparent  pressure;  whence,  none  knew  or 
questioned ;  but  Liliuokolani's  eyes  enlarged  and  peered 
significantly. 

"Hearken,  daughter !"  whispered  she,  fearfully  look- 
ing about,  the  while  clasping  tightly  Kiauolani's  two 
cold  hands. 

"Yes,  aunty;  there  is  a  storm  brewing;  but  God 
shall  protect  us." 

"Do  you  still — believe?" 

"The  times  are  ominous;  yet — He  is  our  saviour.'* 

"But  the  jewels  are  stolen.  His  coronet  is  gone. 
Our  land  trembles  with  profanity.  The  gods  are 
disturbed !" 

"Yes,  dear;  but  our  God,  the  one  and  only  God 
of  all  gods,  shall  proclaim  peace — in  the  great  here- 
after." 

"But  now;  Kaiuolani,  now!" 

"Faith,  aunty;  have  faith." 

"In  Kamehameha — at  my  age.  Hero  of  battles, 
thunder  your  warnings;  my  trust  is  in  Kileaua:  no 
stain  escapes  there,  and — Pele !  O,  Pele.  Let  me  again 
behold  your  wonderful  tresses.  I  feel  them  now,  as 
combed  in  heaven.  Pele!" 

They  sat  quietly  contemplating;  the  princess  would 
not  profane  things  picturing  immortality,  with  any 


250  KAIUOLANI 

answer  the  world  had  yet  seen  fit  to  reveal.  The  gods 
now  battled;  and  her  idol  lost  consciousness  in  the 
splendors  of  an  unrestrained  conception.  Kaiuolani 
drew  close  to  the  brink,  awaiting  breathlessly  the  light 
that  should  beacon  her  safely  into  the  reach  of  a 
glorious  past. 

The  heavens  grew  darker,  and  the  atmosphere 
heavier.  Everything  seemed  as  if  chained,  and  doomed 
to  the  treachery  of  fate.  No  man  there  could  do  or 
discern  anything. 

Presently  the  earth  rocked,  as  if  rent  in  two.  The 
light  flashed,  sounds  afar  were  heard  distinctly,  and 
every  person  and  thing  sprang  up. 

"It  is  true.  I  see  with  my  eyes.  God.  Mauna-Loa. 
The  Beautiful !"  cried  Kaiuolani,  eagerly  looking  from 
the  window,  at  the  fire-lit  skies  around. 

"My  prayer  is  answered,"  said  Liliuokolani,  "and  1 
welcome  Kileaua;  would  die  to  live  again;  sacrifice 
myself  unto  eternity ;  depart  earth  as  the  lowliest 
things  are  crystallized  into  rarest  diadem.  Let  me  go." 

The  grandeur  of  a  truly  living  present  startled  the 
stronger  of  the  two  into  a  secret  consciousness  of  a 
dead  and  possible  past.  That  all  these  things  had  sub- 
tilely  and  effectually  borne  their  proper  relation  to- 
ward the  ultimate  regeneration  and  enlightment  of 
man  made  the  bare  thought  of  present-day  remission 
the  more  frightful ;  but  the  other  one  had  lived  out  the 
fires  of  equanimity:  the  charred  embers  symbolized  a 
deeper  glow  than  reflected  in  merely  the  passing. 

"No,  no;  you  must  not  leave  me;  God  can  yet  do 
quite  well  without  you :  I  need  you.  Stay  and  en- 
courage me — Kileaua  is  a  hot  place !" 

"An  old  woman's  only  consolation.    Temporal  sacri- 


KAIUOLANI  251 

fice  had  been  less  trying.  Faith,  and  want;  hope,  and 
serve ;  give,  and — take  what  you  can  get,  bids  the  new 
order.  I  should  prefer  more  of  liberty." 

"And  if  Kileaua  made  it  possible,  would  you 
take  it?" 

"How  can  I  ?    Men  do  with  me  as  they  like." 

"Look  aunty;  the  gates  are  open,  the  guards  fly; 
terror  seizes  even  those  who  frown  at  things  we  know. 
God  has  answered  your  prayers :  let  us  go." 

"No ;  I'll  not  budge  this  place.  You  can  fly,  as  you 
once  did  before.  I  am  queen,  and  finite;  God  or 
republic." 

Kaiuolani  forwith  left  the  queen  at  her  post, — 
consciousness  told  her  she  could  avail  nothing  there, — 
and  walked  out,  alone  and  unmolested ;  the  old  regime 
had  failed  her,  but  did  more:  it  opened  the  way  to 
present  if  not  ultimate  freedom. 

Everywhere  men  hurried  under  shelter.  Believers 
foretold  the  divine,  and  no  Christian  dared  brave  that 
catastrophe  to  barter  with  or  hinder  lowly  man.  The 
bars  were  thrown  down,  and  everybody  went  his  way, 
as  an  awakening  god-self  at  last  provisioned. 

The  natives — reclaimed  by  proof  positive,  as  sym- 
bolized in  a  phenomenon  openly  witnessed — attributed 
the  unexpected  disaster  solely  to  Young's  shortcom- 
ings. He  had  made  himself  god  of  them  and  theirs, 
and  they  held  him  alike  responsible,  be  it  volcano  or 
misfortune  that  disturbed  their  peace. 

The  army  mutinied;  their  commander's  display  of 
weakness  in  the  presence  of  Kaiuolani,  the  one  person 
above  any  other,  whom  they  feared,  had  shaken  their 
confidence,  and  the  demoralization  and  uncertainty 
attendant  upon  the  withdrawal  and  denouncement  of 


252  KAIUOLANI 

the  native  element  lost  him  his  grip:  only  for  Cole's 
timely  interference,  and  the  most  heroic  measures, 
Young's  whole  force  had  disbanded. 

The  little  republic  of  Hawaii,  already  tottering  under 
the  weight  and  influence  of  its  creator's  unbridled 
aspirations,  thus  found  itself  suddenly  confronted  with 
a  new  and  unthought  problem.  One  that  should  sooner 
or  later  rent  or  strip  it  to  the  foundation:  like  the 
avalanche,  rolling  and  beating  toward  its  shores,  so 
surely  portended.  Did  they  as  men  merit  the  conflict? 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Back  in  the  mountains  or  out  upon  the  plains  the 
same  spirit  (if  opposite  in  form),  that  under-lay 
America's  advancement  urged  a  simpler  minded,  deeper 
wrought  people  to  gather  and  organize  in  defence  of 
an  equally  inborn  prerogative.  Hawaiians  of  old  had 
looked  traditionally  and  knowingly  upon  Kileaua,  and 
in  the  thundering,  blazing  elements  discerned  the  voice 
and  will  of  Kamehameha. 

Answer,  they  must.  And  whether  confronted  by 
the  lone  machinations  of  individual  schemers  or 
threatened  with  annihilation  underneath  the  jugger- 
naut of  advancing  empire,  mattered  not;  content  once 
roused  knows  neither  fear  nor  limit.  Heeds  less, 
Christianity. 

Kaiuolani  sought  protection  at  home;  there  she  be- 
lieved her  father,  a  citizen  and  patriot,  supreme. 

In  this  however,  it  was  as  soon  discovered  that  she 
had  reckoned,  in  one  particular,  at  least,  without  her 
host.  Sir  Charles  had  already  been  influenced  by 
Elms  ford ;  who,  conceiving  the  notion  of  fathering  an 
Utopia  of  his  own,  found  it  quite  convenient,  upon 
Uhlrix's  withdrawal  and  the  shifting  of  fleets,  to  form 
a  satisfactory  coalition  with  the  hard-pressed  Cole  and 
his  ever-urgent  missionaries.  Castle  Banyan  had  be- 
come their  fortress;  sheltering  alike  the  disgruntled 


254  KAIUOLANI 

and  the  ambitious:  having  thus  inadvertently  trapped 
herself,  the  princess  for  once  invoked  a  deliberate, 
if  confusing  expedient. 

"I  shall  not  surrender,  neither  disobey ;  but,  mind 
you,  it  is  a  false  judgment  that  holds  not  until  veri- 
fied," said  she,  in  answer  to  her  father's  impatient 
provisioning. 

"Silence,  Kaiuolani.  Do  you  forget  the  place?" 
replied  Sir  Charles,  sternly. 

"The  castle  is  yours,  I  believe,  under  existing  con- 
ditions. Pardon  me." 

"Elmsford,  come  here,"  continued  she,  addressing 
the  artist  manager,  who  attended  cautiously,  in  a  con- 
veniently nearby  room. 

"Yes,  Kaiuolani." 

"Remove  me  from  this  place." 

"Yes,  Kaiuolani." 

They  were  not  long  in  reaching  Diamond  Head ; 
Elmsford  was  in  her  power,  and  there  she  set  up 
housekeeping  as  prisoner  in  a  way  as  convincing  to 
him  that  she  knew  her  place  as  it  was  provocative 
elsewhere  of  the  belief  that  she  held  in  her  hand 
effectively  and  irredeemably  the  destinies  of  them  all. 

"Go  publish  the  news,  broadcast,"  demanded  she 
of  Elmsford,  her  slave,  before  Sir  Charles  had  fairly 
recovered  the  shock. 

"What  news,  Kaiuolani?"  asked  he,  meekly. 

"That  you  hold  me  hostage.  I  shall  have  done  with 
this  tangle,  in  a  jiffy." 

"And  then?" 

"I'll  make  no  promises." 


KAIUOLANI  255 

"By  jove,  I  like  you  the  more,  for  that.  And,  don't 
forget,  Elmsford  is  no  'peach.'  " 

"Hist!     No  slang,  if  you  would  serve  me." 

"Yes,  Kaiuolani." 

Norton  published  the  notice,  on  the  morrow,  in 
the  Ware  Wizzard  Wise,  under  double  blocked,  full 
page  headlines,  and  Wayntro,  her  employer,  in  antici- 
pation of  consequences,  took  Elms  ford's  little  mes- 
senger thence  unto  himself  as  wife.  Uena-O-Zan  had 
served  again  her  mistress,  whom  the  flag  of  Eng- 
land once  more  saved  from  molestation. 

The  news  spreading  like  wildfire,  drove  consterna- 
tion into  the  hearts  of  all  Hawaii;  as  expected  and 
planned  by  Kaiuolani.  Cole  and  his  element  be- 
lieved themselves  tricked  into  a  British  coup  by  none 
other  than  Elmsford;  Young,  with  better  reason, 
conjectured  it  a  scheme,  of  Bender's,  to  wreak  his 
downfall  and,  in  consequence,  sought  to  heal  the 
breach  with  Cole :  conceding  the  latter  all  administra- 
tive functions,  he  reserving  only  supreme  command 
of  the  army ;  the  natives  fired  with  determination,  and 
flocked  to  the  support  of  Bender;  who,  by  this  time, 
had  implanted  himself  firmly  as  their  true  god  and 
rightful  deliverer. 

Having  successfully  connived  the  evasion  of  Young 
and  imprisonment,  upon  landing  at  Honolulu,  a  short 
time  hence,  the  old  spirit  seized  upon  the  ranger 
culprit  and  carried  him  well  back  into  the  reach  of 
an  alluring  past. 

He  had  had  his  try  with  conventional  freedom,  the 
tribulations  of  bolstered  supremacy,  and  would  thence 
hearken  the  voice  of  nature's  own  being;  let  the  red 


256  KAIUOLANI 

blood  coursing  its  way  alone  speak  for  glories  attained  ; 
go  down  into  the  wild  and  rise  again  by  deeds  more 
valorous :  Ihoas  listened,  and  together  they  hastened 
with  importuning  a  deadlier  endeavor. 

"Would  you  sit  here  and  see  our  nativity  swept 
into  the  seas?"  asked  Ihoas,  of  her  father,  Prince 
Kenlikola,  in  the  presence  of  Bender,  who  had  accom- 
panied her  thither,  to  Kauai,  in  the  hope  of  planning 
some  reasonable  support,  elsewhere  than  within  his 
own  imagination. 

That  these  people  were  slow  to  comprehend  a 
danger  and  loath  to  exert  themselves  in  defense  even 
of  an  inborn  right,  Bender  well  knew;  but  he  also 
understood  the  secret  of  their  complacency.  Only 
touch  the  wellsprings  of  patriotism  and  content  were 
a  thing  as  quickly  forgotten,  the  religion  of  a  bygone 
should  burst  out  again  in  perfect  frenzy,  while  for 
their  leaders  and  their  gods  they  would  stand  ready  to 
fall  at  the  stake. 

The  prince  started  at  the  import  of  his  daughter's 
plea,  and  recalling  a  former  conflab  with  Bender 
pondered  well  the  situation.  The  warmth  and  heavi- 
ness of  a  tropical  environment  belied  the  energies  so 
mildly  rising  to  mind.  Here  no  intrigue  had  pene- 
trated; satisfaction  and  plenty  reigned  everywhere; 
the  very  heavens  proclaimed  peace,  invited  their 
enjoyment : 

"Why  encourage  hardship?"  asked  he,  half-weirdly 
conscious. 

"The  gods,  father.    Do  you  forget — our  ancestors?" 

Kenlikola  looked  from  one  to  the  other  of  his 
auditors.  There  appeared  no  likeness  between  Bender 


KAIUOLANI  257 

and  those  he  had  pictured  in  the  galleries  of  an  in- 
definite past — yet  there  grew  and  throve  a  liking; 
others  of  the  court  supporters,  less  removed  by  con- 
sanguinity, had  done  more  to  disturb  the  slumberings 
of  old  Kamehameha.  The  air  grew  hot  and  stifling. 
Ihoas  came  close.  Kileaua  flashed  the  hidden  fire, 
and  Kenlikola  bounded  up  a  living  torch : 

"To  war,  men;  the  gods  do  lead!" 

Thence  there  was  no  halting.  Men  that  hitherto 
had  shunned  the  bare  thought  of  conflict  now  sought 
martyrdom  in  the  ranks.  Kenlikola  led  them,  in  the 
North,  slowly  but  determinedly  toward  Diamond 
Head,  the  agreed  field  and  rendesvous,  while  Bender 
hastened  into  the  South. 

Here  the  whole  populace  stood  in  awe;  not  that 
they  feared  or  regarded  Honolulu, — the  fate  or  stress 
of  government  seldom  touched  even  lightly  these  far- 
away, unchanged  believers, — but  the  wonderful  forces 
unbosomed  within  Kileaua  itself  portended  a  return- 
ing of  the  Messiah. 

Bender   knew   them,   and  proclaimed: 

"I  am  come  to  save  you." 

They  gathered  round  him,  kneeling  and  wailing  in 
fervent  supplication. 

The  pressure  remained  heavy,  and  all  about  them 
the  lavas  crawled  and  crumbled  toward  the  seas.  No 
man's  footing  held  against  the  awful  insecurity  there 
experienced,  and  a  demon  lurked  in  every  crystal 
formed  or  pool  that  congealed,  reflecting  the  crater 
whence  it  poured  out. 

Hard  pressed  and  unrelieved,  the  natives  became 


258  KAIUOLANI 

alarmed  and  grew  more  insistent.  Some  of  Bender's 
own  men  began  to  doubt.  Their  eyes  enlarged,  and 
they  made  bold  to  ask: 

"When  shall  the  white  man  make  peace  with 
Kileaua  ?" 

Ihoas  heard  them,  and  marvelled  the  outcome. 

Shut  within  the  deepest  and  darkest  confines  of 
the  sacred  old  nearby  temple,  Kaile,  she  welcomed 
a  newly  found  idol  and  willed  him  place.  Her  own 
father  had  sent  her  thither,  as  an  inspiration  and  a 
help :  Bender  fell  a  victim  to  the  wiles  that  won  him 
recognition,  and  when  pressed  without  he  too  entered 
the  sacred  chamber  and  there  adjured  liberties  that 
heed  neither  gods  nor  destruction. 

Here  no  restraint  hindered  his  own  free  will  and 
called-up  fancy.  The  walls  were  thick,  and  rites  as 
supreme  as  ancient  barred  every  door.  Hoary  priests 
babbled  strange  melodies  or  admonished  remem- 
brances not  of  earth;  and  angels  hovering  in  the 
mists  or  crowding  fain  comprehension  quickened  the 
sense  and  dulled  dispute. 

The  fathers  had  taught  well  Ihoas  a  lesson,  and 
tradition  denied  her  disobedience. 

"Fate  sent  you  to  me,  Ihoas — an  inspiration,  a 
fitting  rebuke.  Let  the  world  rumble  on;  I  am  con- 
tent; Ihoas  is  sanctified." 

She  had  placed  her  trust, — it  seemed  so  very  like 
her, — and  all  nature  at  once  responded  to  the  parched 
and  withered  desires  of  restricted  womanhood.  The 
beauties  of  creation  unfolded  within  the  discarded 


KAIUOLANI  259 

bounds  of  an  imagined  halo — the  gods  willed  it,  and 
Ihoas  lived,  foretasted  heaven. 

Outside,  a  whole  populace  begged  deliverance,  and 
the  slumbering  princess  at  last  awakened. 

Bender  bowed  submissively  before  her;  the  fires 
had  burned  low  and  there  appeared  no  means  of 
escape. 

"Save  me,"  cried  he,  "save  me." 

Ihoas  looked  the  would-be  traducer  straightway  in 
the  face.  He  had  set  himself  over  woman  and  defied 
man.  Questioned  the  superiority  of  wisdom,  and 
sought  to  make  of  procreation  a  convenient  plaything. 
Why  such  inconsistency?  The  tenets  of  her  belief 
made  answer;  the  princess  had  not  yet  learned  to 
deny  herself  the  saving  privilege  of  worldly  sacrifice. 

Then  word  came  of  Kaiuolani.  Had  a  like  tempta- 
tion befallen  their  revered  one?  If  so,  her  God  might 
with  remission  cleanse  the  heart  accordingly:  Ihoas's 
revealed  no  way  so  easy,  or — uncertain.  For  grace 
there  must  be  some  atonement. 

All  around  them  men  and  women  fell  prostrate, 
imploring  the  gods  to  release  Kaiuolani. 

"Save  her,  Ihoas,  save  her,"  cried  they,  with  one 
accord. 

Bender  had  become  an  outcast ;  none  heeded  longer 
his  presence.  Their  princess  sat  with  downcast  look. 
Had  she,  too,  misjudged  him?  fallen  a  victim  to  the 
woes  of  misplaced  confidence?  Her  heart  grew  with 
heaviness,  as  did  the  atmosphere  she  breathed.  All 
the  elements  of  nature  seemed  battling  against  dark- 
ness. There  must  be  some  vent,  an  escaping  of  pent  up 
forces.  Light  awaited  surely  an  awakening  of  the 
spirit  world.  Should  atonement  of  individual  sin 


260  KAIUOLANI 

relieve  universal  doubt?  save  the  world  from  awful 
catastrophe?  The  angels  betokened  finite  gladness. 
Everybody  seemed  turning  toward  her;  conformity 
predetermined  the  fate  of  Ihoas. 

Sitting  there,  shut  in  and  alone, — her  enticer  had 
long  ago  retired, — the  glories  of  eternity  unfolded 
certainly  and  pleasantly  within  the  thought  wafted 
over  by  a  thousand,  thousand  years  of  unbroken, 
loyal  condescension. 

Were  divinity  asking  too  much? 

Not  as  Ihoas  saw.  It  seemed  a  pleasure  to  appease 
wrath :  serve  humankind.  And  the  grandeur  of  pass- 
ing! The  beauties  of  purification!  The  joy  of 
nothingness ! 

"My  God,  I  am  saved;  there  is  a  way;  I  know  it 
now — Pele,  Kamehameha,  Kileaua  !" 

The  slumbering,  grumbling,  grinding  earth  lay  inert 
and  restless  at  her  feet.  Ihoas  looked  out  at  the 
jagged,  ragged  cone  just  above.  A  dull  red  under- 
glowed  and  paled  against  the  black  blue  clouds  hang- 
ing heavily  over  the  gaping  crater,  now  yawning  and 
persuading  within  a  finger's  reach.  Only  a  drop,  and 
the  troubled  elements  had  electrified  the  earth  and 
cleared  the  skies. 

Ihoas  breathed  more  freely,  and  no  sound  escaped 
her  lips  or  thing  of  any  kind  hindered  her  fleetness  of 
foot:  presently  the  forging  heights  were  scaled,  with- 
out disturbing  anyone  or  apprising  them  of  her  inten- 
tion, and  she  stood  complacently  at  the  brink. 

Far  down  beneath  her,  perhaps  a  thousand  feet  or 


KAIUOLANI  261 

more,  spread  the  molten  seas,  whence  danced  and 
fretted  little  green  and  yellow  wavelets  amid  gusts 
of  purplish,  grayish  cloudlets  tumbling  and  vanishing 
into  space.  Never  had  another  sight  seemed  so  placid 
or  inviting;  and  now  that  consciousness  had  fairly 
dawned  everything  appeared  to  move  or  tend  toward 
the  center,  where  a  pool  of  many  colors  rimmed  up 
and  swirled  down  round  endless  hollows. 

"How  sweet  to  contemplate !"  cried  she,  tiptoeing 
and  balancing  at  the  highest  pinnacle  around. 

It  seemed  as  if  she  must  soar  away,  and  there  came 
to  her  a  winged  fairy,  wearing  at  the  brow  a  wreath 
of  coral,  who  carried  in  one  hand  a  twig  of  olive. 

"Come,"  said  he,  taking  her  hand  in  his,  thence 
leading  the  way  toward  such  happiness  as  Inoas  haJ 
not  yet  anticipated. 

Only  a  flit,  and  the  princess,  too,  had  swept  into 
the  awful  vacuum.  In  the'  twinkling  of  an  eye  its 
thirsty  elements  gulped  down  the  tiny  offering,  and 
spitting  forth  a  mighty  wave,  purging  the  heart  and 
clarifying  the  atmosphere,  wrought  a  living,  self- 
explained  transformation. 

The  liquid  light  shot  high  up,  rending  the  clouds, 
percipitating  a  calm:  against  the  glowing  heavens 
there  stood  revealed  a  face.  Ihoas  smiled  back  upon 
a  startled  world :  men  with  gray  and  women  past 
usefulness,  both  the  young  and  beautiful  arose  from 
their  knees  and  putting  darkness  behind  them  wor- 
shipped thence  the  goddess  they  beheld.  Ihoas  had 
risen,  unveiling  truth  again. 

There  remained,  among  them  all,  only  one  whose 


262  KAIUOLANI 

withered  conscience  and  blind  philosophy  betokened 
some  scientific  explanation  or  begged  an  unearned 
forgiveness.  Bender  skulked  off,  toward  Diamond 
Head,  alone  and  unreclaimed ;  though  time  awaited 
only  the  paltry  accident  of  a  more  rational  happening 
to  wreak  a  lesser  change. 

American    expansion    bore    hard    and    fast    upon 
Hawaii's  fate. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

The  last  note  in  Bender's  discordant  life  had  fairly 
sounded.  The  awful  visitation  left  him  a  wreck:  a 
doubter  in  man  himself.  All  the  things  of  earth  that 
he  had  been  able  to  muster  crumbled  at  the  beckoning 
of  an  impossible  love — and  were  she  really  a  goddess  ? 

Half  crazed  and  abandoned,  the  now  thoroughly 
repentant  man  hastened  toward  Diamond  Head,  alone 
and  unarmed. 

Everywhere  word  had  gone  in  advance  of  his  com- 
ing, in  consequence  of  which  none  heeded  him  and 
all  revered  her.  Why  Ihoas  condoned?  What  ter- 
rible thing  had  he  done  to  merit  their  contempt? 

"I'll  do  more  than  she,"  said  he  to  Aokahameha, 
who  alone,  and  without  hindrance,  importuned  of 
him  both  respect  and  submission;  "I'll  surrender  no 
less  my  honor  than  fortune  to  end  this  senseless,  cruel 
misunderstanding." 

"Then  you  shall  have  need  to  lose  no  less  of  time 
than  effort,  for  Kaiuolani  and  Young  may  again  face 
each  other  in  the  field." 

Having  sooner  heard  of  Bender's  perfidy,  and  sur- 
mising the  fright  Ihoas's  transition  must  reasonably 
produce  in  the  minds  and  hearts  of  uncontroverted 
Hawaii,  Kaiuolani  forthwith  called  upon  Kenlikola  to 
enter  with  his  now  frantic  army  the  gates  at  Dia- 
mond Head. 

The  prince,  bowed  with  grief,  and  overawed  by  the 


264  KAIUOLANI 

superstitious  wrangling  of  others  about  a  daughter's 
ascendancy,  made  haste  to  obey ;  there  was  already 
much  clamoring,  in  the  ranks,  for  bloodshed ;  the  peace 
of  Ihoas,  too,  must  be  rendered,  by  timely  sacrifice, 
and  none  would  spare  the  hated  foreigner. 

Young  faced  the  situation  unfalteringly,  and  with 
a  fortitude  hitherto  inexpressed;  he  had  grown  with 
experience,  and  notwithstanding  the  government's  un- 
easiness— and  an  only  too  apparently  flagging  interest 
elsewhere  at  Honolulu — marched  his  now  thoroughly 
sifted  and  carefully  drilled  little  fighting  force  out  of 
the  city,  and  toward  the  enemy,  with  all  the  vim  and 
confidence  of  a  winning  hand. 

"The  odds  are  against  me,"  said  he,  to  Cole,  upon 
departing  the  capital,  "but  as  Bender  is  safely  over- 
come in  the  South,  so  shall  Kenlikola  fall  at  the 
North ;  shot  and  shell  may  be  less  fantastic,  but  it  is 
more  effective  than  earthquakes  or  volcanoes  in  de- 
termining the  faith  of  men.  As  it  has  been  always, 
it  shall  be,  here,  to-day." 

The  roads  were  muddy,  however,  from  the  the  out- 
skirts thence,  and  progress  became  slower  as  they 
neared  the  scene  of  expected  action.  Scouts  return- 
ing from  the  field  continued  reporting,  "No  enemy  in 
sight,"  and  night  came  upon  them. 

Those  gates  must  be  reached  and  guarded,  for 
these  men,  whom  they  would  face,  prowled  by  night 
like  cats  seeking  their  prey. 

"Double,  quick,  forward !"  ran  along  down  the  lines 
from  head  to  subordinate  in  a  whisper. 

It  was  dark  now,  and  Bender  lashed  round  them  in 
the  distance.  An  accomplice  urged  him  on :  he  neither 
knew  nor  cared  much  where  or  for  what  purpose. 


KAIUOLANI  265 

After  a  hard-forced  tramp  over  treacherous 
grounds,  and  much  consultation  among  the  heads  of 
staff,  the  government's  sole  available  troop  approached 
cautiously  and  with  rising  apprehension  the  main  en- 
trance to  Lord  Xenoav's  private  estate  at  Diamond 
Head.  The  place  seemed  deserted.  Not  even  a  lone 
picket  stood  guard,  and  the  only  significant  thing 
Young  could  descry,  there  in  the  darkness,  outside  the 
walls,  appeared  to  be  nothing  more  nor  less  than  a 
huge  pile  of  loose  timbers,  stacked  directly  in  front 
of  the  closed  and  made  fast  front  gate. 

Wayntro  had  heard  of  such  devices,  through  Uena- 
O-Zan,  of  course,  and  cautioned  his  superior  accord- 
ingly. 

"Fall  back;  line  up;  rest  on  your  arms!"  com- 
manded Young,  quietly,  but  without  a  tremor. 

The  halting  columns  obeyed,  though  consternation 
rankled  in  their  hearts.  These  men  had  fought  un- 
erringly in  the  daytime ;  but  the  somber  shades  of  mid- 
night called  to  mind  another  and  a  deeper  concern. 

"What  is  yon  heap?"  whispered  Johnny,  of  his 
next,  less  agitated,  comrade. 

"You  can  search  me,"  replied  that  one,  none  the 
wiser. 

"Doan  yous  know,  what  dat  am?"  cautioned  a  husky 
voice  from  North  Carolina. 

"No;  tell  us,  Sammy,"  came  back  in  unison,  from 
those  who  now  huddled  about  or  craned  to  hear. 

"Fs  doan  like  to  befrighten  yous-all,  I  doan,"  re- 
plied he,  in  a  mysterious  tone  of  voice  and  sore- 
belabored  manner. 

"I'll  give  you  a  big  chew  of  t'baccer,  if  you  do," 
intercepted  a  nearby  listener,  confidentially. 


266  KAIUOLANI 

"Make  it  two,  and  I's  gwine  to  do  it,"  agreed 
Sammy,  doubly  conscious. 

"All  right,"  put  in  another,  less  prudently  inclined. 

"Dat  am  a  funeral  pyle,  boys;  dat  am  so,"  replied 
he,  with  deep  satisfaction. 

"Get  into  line  there,"  commanded  Young,  sternly, 
the  while  tapping  those  most  venturesome  upon  the 
back  with  his  sword. 

They  all  fell  to  and  resumed  quiet,  though  some 
may  have  wondered  at  the  temerity  of  their  general 
in  expressing  himself  so  flagrantly  to  encourage  sta- 
bility in  the  ranks.  That  pile  of  timbers  disturbed 
them  not  a  little,  and  that  none  other  than  Young  him- 
self should  be  the  first  to  quench  its  thirst  became  a 
deep-seated  conviction  on  the  part  of  many  there 
breathlessly  awaiting. 

Presently  a  dull,  grinding  sort  of  noise  at  the  "pyre," 
as  if  some  loosened  part  had  settled  into  place,  attract- 
ing the  attention  of  all,  drove  terror  into  the  hearts* 
of  not  a  few. 

"Wo-a-ough!"  shrieked  Samuel,  who,  dropping  to 
his  knees,  on  his  gun,  sat  mute  and  transfixed. 

"Fire!"  shouted  Young,  without  a  moment's  warn- 
ing. 

The  roar  and  flash  of  musketry  broke  weirdly  upon 
the  still,  dank  surroundings;  while  splinters  flew  thick 
and  fast  from  the  tumbling,  tilting  logs  in  the  fore- 
ground. 

Bender  groaned  underneath  the  falling  debris,  and 
Norton  rushed  from  the  background,  pushing  and 
making  her  way  toward  the  front. 

"My  God!"  exclaimed  she,  as  Bender's  possible 
death  dawned  upon  her. 


KAIUOLANI  267 

"The  papers?"  replied  he,  wounded,  and  unable  to 
rise. 

"I'll  take  them,"  demanded  Young,  as  he  came  up, 
observing  her  to  possess  a  familiar  document. 

"You  shall  not,"  retorted  she,  levelling  a  pistol  in 
his  face. 

Young  backed  away,  and  Norton  followed;  first 
tossing  the  roll  to  her  confederate,  who  lay  jammed 
and  dying  beneath  the  jumbled  litter. 

Bender  feebly  fumbled  in  his  pocket  for  a  match. 
He  had  fallen,  the  victim  of  misjudged  endeavor,  and 
whatever  the  consequence  he  proposed  now  that  he 
still  possessed  strength  and  opportunity  to  destroy 
once  and  for  all  the  evidence  that  had  wrought  alike 
his  fortune  and  his  doom. 

Striking  a  light  the  flames  shot  up  like  an  avalanche. 
Kamehameha's  worshippers  fixed  well  the  pyre,  and 
combustion  did  what  Bender  had  failed  in  the  doing: 
Young  had  made  Norton  a  prisoner,  and  returned  in 
time. 

The  dying  man  smiled,  and  the  living  brushed  hard 
at  the  flames. 

Weird  sounds  within  the  estate-walls  froze  cold 
the  blood  in  Young's  command.  Yelling  and  leaping, 
and  clambering  over  gates  and  fences,  everywhere, 
the  foe  quickly  surrounded  him.  Uena-O-Zan  ran 
into  the  open,  and  Wayntro  ordered  a  welcome  re- 
treat. 

The  flames  roared  and  drove  higher  and  fiercer;  the 
little  republic  furnished  the  fuel  with  which  to  waft 
homeward  its  own  determinate  message. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

With  Young's  capture  and  Wayntro's  retreat  the 
already  toppling  government  awakened  to  fresh  dan- 
gers and  sought  to  invoke  a  last  privilege:  martial 
law  was,  therefore,  promptly  declared,  and  Aokaha- 
meha  again  placed  in  command,  sent  posthaste  after 
the  rebellious  natives;  his  policy  had,  vitally  if  not 
happily  changed. 

Two  years  of  dubious  warfare  and  hotly  contested 
intrigue  convinced  him  that  it  were  futile  to  attempt 
any  sort  of  restoration.  Cole,  as  well,  held  himself 
free  from  taint,  and  stood  ready  to  sacrifice  individual 
welfare  for  the  good  of  a  bettered  whole.  There 
were,  also,  elements  at  work  antagonistic  to  both 
friends  and  foes;  and,  had  Kaiuolani  apprised  him  of 
what  she  the  sooner  divined? 

"I  shall  put  down  this  rebellion,  as  enabled  with 
such  force  as  can  be  mustered.  Liberty  is  a  birth- 
right and  loyalty  its  only  safeguard.  Whatever  the 
manifestations, — whether  robbed  of  our  queen  or 
blessed  with  a  president,  though  it  be  Occidental  or 
Oriental, — sovereignty  must  obtain.  Unity  is  ultimate, 
and  reason  but  a  consequence :  please  bear  me  wit- 
ness," said  Aokahameha,  candidly,  to  Cole  and  his 
cabinet,  making  ready  to  go  after  Kenlikola  and  his 
too  rabidly  inclined  following. 

"I  am  pleased  that  our  friend  Aokahameha  under- 
stands so  well  the  present;  though  his  after-theory  be 


KAIUOLANI  269 

at  fault;  liberty  is  rather  the  product  of  reason,"  re- 
plied Cole,  constantly  doing  and  trusting — the  very 
incarnation  of  belief. 

"Philosophy  and  practice  are  not  necessarily  antag- 
onistic, as  I  am  taught :  our  religions  are  but  one,  not 
rightly  understood.  Enlightened  as  well  as  endowed, 
we  may  yet  teach  you  to  live ;  Orientalism  is  founded 
upon  things  we  know,"  suggested  Aokahameha,  not 
the  least  perturbed. 

"And  dies,  only  to  live!"  shouted  Kaiuolani,  flitting 
into  their  midst,  unheralded  if  tolerable. 

Not  they,  nor  Cole,  would  dispute,  or  thought  to  re- 
strain her.  Some  vital  potency  lay  behind  the  prin- 
cess' sudden  though  elusive  demeanor,  and  they  were 
only  too  glad  that  she  chose  to  let  them  proceed  with 
the  business  of  ordering  a  hopelessly  shattered  entity. 

"On  with  the  work,"  continued  she,  "and  I  promise 
a  just  retribution.  Like  for  like,  and  the  dread  waves 
take  me  should  I  deign  fail." 

Aokahameha  did  go, — he  appeared  not  to  under- 
stand or  heed, — and  a  rapid  advance  soon  brought  him 
to  the  foothills,  whence  Kenlikola's  command  had 
flown.  They  fought  valiantly,  man  for  man,  and  un- 
til Aokahameha's  superior  generalship  outdid  the 
enemy  there  seemed  no  certainty  of  victory  on  either 
side. 

It  was  the  often  repeated  story  of  gold  against 
God,  and  truth  prevailing  God  had  won — but,  as  ever, 
strategy  outwitted,  and  the  valient  hosts  of  a  passing 
day  scattered  and  ran  pellmell  over  the  hills  and  into 
byways  scarce  none  but  them  exactly  knew. 

Kenlikola  escaped. 


270  KAIUOLANI 

A  secret  growth  of  twisted  pine  and  low  koa  fringed 
the  lower  edge,  reaching  at  places  far  up  into  rugged 
canyons  or  along  sloping  ravines,  severely  impeding 
the  progress  of  men  less  accustomed  to  mountain 
climbing  or  service  dodging.  There  should  be  no  halt- 
ing, however;  though  another  reason  had  saved  all 
except  the  ringleaders  from  an  otherwise  immediate 
capture. 

Aokahameha  pursued  them. 

An  ominous  mist  overhung  the  ragged  sky  line 
higher  up  along  the  broken,  precipitous  coast  at  the 
opposite  side  of  the  mountains.  The  sun  blazed  weakly 
in  the  west,  or  let  fleeting  shadows  dark  and  weird 
against  the  somber  woodland  at  places  covering 
dreaded  tangles. 

Here  and  there  in  the  far-off  open  might  be  seen 
now  and  then  revered  heads,  carrying  in  their  arms 
from  shelter  to  shelter  mysteriously  wrought  symbols, 
sacred  and  inspiring  to  those  retreating. 

White  mice  gamboled  near  by — then  hid  in  the  reed 
grasses;  they  had  survived  the  ages  immune  to  all 
save  princes — these  men,  in  quest,  seemed  strange  to 
them. 

A  lizard  crawled  into  its  hole,  and  knowing  ones 
sighed. 

Aokahameha  reflected. 

"Dispose  companies  as  directed,"  commanded  he 
(addressing  Wayntro),  having  theretofore  reconnoit- 
ered  and  determined  upon  some  sort  of  a  round  up. 
"I  am  going  to  climb  old  Punch  Bowl, — the  call  is 
resistless, — and  when  you  have  returned  I  shall  be 
here,  our  most  convenient  place  of  rendesvous." 


KAIUOLANI  271 

The  captain,  ordering,  shouted: 

"Form  for  attack,  forward,  march !"  and  the  ragged 
lines  breaking  into  squads  waged  hard  upon  the  trail 
of  Kenlikola's  confused  and  disordered  rear. 

Facing  the  mists,  Aokahameha  walked  briskly  up 
the  gradual  incline  and  on,  to  Pali,  the  highest  point, 
over  jutting  out  and  away  toward  the  bewitching,  coax- 
ing waters  far  down  at  the  ocean's  tumbling,  heaving 
level.  A  long  narrow  hogback,  worn  deep  with  uncer- 
tain stepping,  led  the  way.  The  sands  gave  and  sank 
underneath  his  feet,  as  if  to  threaten  and  retard  his 
going;  but  some  misshapen  impulse  lured  him  on,  and 
he  would  not  stop. 

After  a  while  the  broad,  tinted  valleys,  with  their 
many  diversities,  lay  spread  and  stretching  afar  at  his 
back.  He  did  not  turn,  neither  comprehended  them. 
In  front,  a  more  subtle,  inviting  aspect  opened  to 
view.  The  fog  hung  thick  and  black  before  his  eye?, 
but  just  beyond,  nearly  a  thousand  feet  below,  the 
blue  seas  adjured  a  sight  that  penetrated  even  darker 
things. 

The  path  grew  wider  now,  and  easier ;  Aokahameha 
quickened  step,  and  suddenly  someone  appeared,  as 
if  entranced. 

A  human  being  had  risen  in  front,  and  wishing  to 
know  who  might  be  there  to  disturb  him  in  his  right, 
the  thwarted  man  called  loudly  and  ran  fast  after: 
only  stillness  answered ;  a  splash  and  his  echoed  voice 
alike  took  wings  and  flew  with  the  winds  that  howl 
and  moan  their  doleful  eternity  at  this  fated  place. 

"Cheated !"  whispered  he,  leaning  low  over  the  edge 
and  peering  dizzily  down  through  space  vaulting  with 
a  taunt  its  wanted  rest. 


272  KAIUOLANI 

The  sun's  height  saved  him;  it  had  been  desecration 
to  disturb  the  peace  of  another;  night  must  pass  and 
day  come  again  before  he  might  now  make  the  leap. 

But  who  had  thus  escaped  him? 

The  thought  burned  deeply  into  hL  growing  con- 
sciousness, and  drawing  back  a  little,  over  the  slippery, 
declivitous  stones,  himself  puzzled  and  gainsaid,  Aoka- 
hameha  made  fast  his  hold  upon  a  projecting  root 
at'one  side  the  wind-swept,  deep-cut  roadway,  where 
he  lay  for  a  long  time  marvelling  the  consequence 
of  living. 

"I'll  return  to  my  post,"  said  he,  to  himself,  in  due 
time  convinced;  "the  sunshine  is  more  of  than  rain: 
the  world  is  a  better  place,  than  hence  we  know  not." 

Composure  quickly  followed.  A  new  life  suddenly 
dawned,  and  bounding  to  his  feet  Aokahameha 
scrambled  back  over  the  short,  steep  incline,  thence 
tramped  down  the  hill,  toward  whence  he  had  come, 
with  a  resolution  as  firm  as  hitherto  wavering. 

The  skies  seemed  to  twinkle  with  freshened  mean- 
ing, the  earth  beneath  his  feet  resounded  a  goodlier 
trend,  and  from  his  heart  there  sprang  a  yearning 
that  before  only  had  lost  him  the  opportunity. 

"Ihoas  is  dead,  but — Kaiuolani  lives,"  rose  to  mind, 
and  did  not  cease,  till  he  had  once  more  resolved. 

Reaching  again  the  field  of  action,  Aokahameha 
found  that  Wayntro's  disappointed  scouts  were  already 
fast  returning;  these  untrained  and  driven  men  could 
or  would  not  scale  the  heights  as  did  those  in  retreat. 
Kenlikola  escaped,  and  the  major  portion  of  his  de- 
feated and  scattering  army  made  off  through  covering 
of  the  mountains  hard  again  toward  the  northland. 
A  few,  however,  less  fleet  than  discreet  were  really 


KAIUOLANI  273 

overtaken  and  brought  proudly  back :  offering,  as  they 
did,  something  of  an  excuse,  if  not  purpose  as  in- 
tended, the  chase  was  abandoned  and  some  sort  of 
reasonably  plausible  returning  begun. 

"And  where  are  the  prisoners?"  demanded  Cole, 
upon  the  appearance  of  Aokahameha  and  his  half-de- 
serted, illy  paid  and  grumbling  command. 

"Here,  sir,"  replied  he,  lining  up  a  dozen  or  more 
indifferent  duskies. 

"Kenlikola— is  he  gone?" 

"I  am  not  advised." 

"Have  you  Elmsford?" 

"Had  not  thought  of  him." 

"I  don't  see  Kaiuolani?" 

"She  was  here  the  last  I  knew." 

"I  presume  it  hardly  worth  while  to  ask  about 
Young  and  others  of  our  friends,  is  it,  my  poor  Aoka- 
hameha?" 

"You  see  here,  with  your  eyes,  all  the  fruits  of  a 
ready  victory :  the  price,  I  take  it,  shall  come  next." 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

The  trial  and  punishment  of  Aokahameha's  pris- 
oners conceded,  finally,  to  range  within  army  prov- 
inces alone,  the  administration  set  about  casting  its 
net  for  a  really  more  commendable  example.  A  great 
rebellion  had  been  effectively  suppressed  by  their 
twaddling  government,  and  the  law's  penalty  must  be 
meted  out  to  someone  as  instigator. 

Cole  and  Gutenborj  sat  quietly  discussing  the  mat- 
ter at'  executive  headquarters;  the  latter  had  come 
naturally  to  be  the  president's,  as  he  had  been  the 
queen's  most  substantial  adviser. 

"What  do  you  think  of  him,  anyway,  friend  Guten- 
borj ?"  queried  Cole,  after  the  matter  of  Aokahameha's 
apparent  evasion  had  been  threshed  and  winnowed  as 
far  as  understood  or  understandable. 

"Oh,  he'll  do — just  give  him  a  chance,  and  a  bit  of 
coaching;  these  Hawaiians  are  susceptible,  once  you 
get  their  confidence,"  replied  the  planter  king,  un- 
guardedly, basing  his  philosophy  upon  a  lifetime's  ex- 
perience. 

"It's  a  pity  somebody  didn't  think  of  that  long  ago." 

"More  is  the  pity  they  did.  Were  I  as  sophisticated 
as  you,  I  might  have  owned  these  Islands,  natives 
and  all,  before  now/' 

"You  seem  still  to  be  in  a  fair  way  of  doing  so." 

"No,  thanks;  there  is  too  much  authority  and  not 
enough  certainty,  in  these  days,  I  trow." 


KAIUOLANI  275 

"Possibly  the  queen  had  suited  you  better;  she  might 
have  been  more — susceptible." 

"Come,  now ;  I  am  in  no  mood  or  position  to  quar- 
rel. Liliuokolani's  head  must  come  off.  I  want  it." 

"How  so?" 

"She  is  the  only  one  in  or  out  of  authority  who 
fully  understands  the  situation.  On  the  throne,  I  am 
at  bay:  off,  and  there  is  no  protection.  Make  way 
with  her,  I  say;  she's  the  best  sort  of  example." 

Cole  twisted  in  his  chair,  meditating  long  the  moral 
of  Gutenborj's  red-handed  proposal.  Since  the  good 
queen's  overthrow  she  had  lived  the  life  of  a  recluse, — 
a  model  sort  of  way,  so  far  as  their  government  was 
concerned, — occupying  the  palace  (as  she  had  said  she 
would),  sitting  upon  the  throne  at  leisure  or  mending 
stockings  at  times  for  want  of  a  better  occupation. 

No  one  had  raised  so  much  as  a  finger  against  her ; 
the  property  was  hers,  of  right ;  she  possessed  an  in- 
come, privately,  beyond  the  need  of  apparent  require- 
ments; the  home  had  come  to  serve  her  every  want, 
and  Cole  believed  it  both  cruel  and  unwise  to  disturb 
that  peace,  thus  endangering  their  own  security. 

Gutenborj,  however,  proved  unrelenting.  Those 
excessive  plantations  which  he  had  successfully 
wheedled  out  of  Liliuokolani's  predecessors  stood  him 
in  want  of  cheap  and  tractable  labor.  Should  their 
state  fall  into  the  hands  of  a  foreigner,  especially  the 
United  States, — as  he  believed  quite  probable,  with 
Liliuokolani  at  large, — the  natives  would  not  only  rebel 
against  illy  paid  servitude,  but  another  means  of  sup- 
ply, recently  developed,  might  necessarily  be  restricted, 
or  perchance  entirely  cut  off.  With  the  government  in 
his  own  hands,  the  Orient  lay  spread  at  his  feet. 


276  KAIUOLANI 

"Come,"  said  he,  in  a  commandatory  manner,  "you 
know  full  well  the  reason  of  my  support." 

"But  I  do  not,  however,  quite  comprehend  the 
source  of  Kenlikola's  supply ;  possibly  you  may  know — 
something — about  that;  the  queen  is  certainly  inno- 
cent?" 

"Bother  the  queen !  Let  the  court  determine  its  own 
true  verdict — you  did  well  in  making  Onslow  chief 
justice,  and  Faneuil  is,  after  all,  not  so  bad,  as  attor- 
ney general.  The  evidence  shall  be  forthcoming;  Ah 
Mia  shall  attend — you  may  understand — 

"Yes;  I  do,"  meekly  replied  the  president. 

"Then  what?" 

Cole  turned  ashen;  his  conscience  cried  against  in- 
justice. Yet  some  unforeseen  deliverance  might  arise, 
and  were  it  right  to  jeopardize  security  in  the  saving 
of  an  individual?  The  reverend  statesman  prayed — 
and  hesitated;  then  hesitated  and  prayed  some  more. 

"Speak  out,"  growled  the  master. 

Cole  looked  up  imploringly :  Gutenborj  avoided  him. 
whining  significantly  in  his  face: 

"Coward?" 

"Very  well,"  snarled  the  other;  "I'll  issue  the 
order!" 

Liliuokalani  answered  the  summons,  thereafter  duly 
served,  by  closing  still  more  determinedly  the  palace 
gates.  Nor  would  anybody,  who  could,  open  them; 
their  queen  waxed  invulnerable,  and  Ah  Mia,  plying 
his  trade,  supplied  her  only  with  the  customary  white 
man's  weapons,  consisting  in  all  of  scarcely  a  dozen 
pistols  and  half  as  many  rifles;  which,  owing  to  the 
good  woman's  own  dread  of  fire  arms,  were  never 


KAIUOLANI  277 

unpacked,  much  less  distributed;  as  afterwards  re- 
vealed by  disinterested  witnesses  a-plenty. 

She  may  have  surmised,  also,  a  better  protection, 
for  Aokahameha  as  commander  in  chief,  under  the 
new  order,  became  as  well  head  marshal  of  the  Is- 
lands. 

The  trial,  therefore,  progressed  as  rapidly  and  fairly 
as  occasion  and  the  circumstances  would  permit.  A 
grave  matter  this  seemed:  questioning  the  faith  of  a 
queen :  solemnly  provisioning  the  hope  of  a  nation. 
Gutenborj  busied  himself,  as  usual,  at  a  distance,  while 
each  added  stage  brought  Cole  one  step  nearer  the 
climax. 

A  large  number  of  witnesses,  some  for  and  some 
against  the  state,  were  examined;  testifying  to  all 
sorts  of  ocular  demonstrations  and  circumstantial  hap- 
penings— shaded  and  shaped  as  public  sympathy  or 
private  fortune  demanded;  weight  and  authority  de- 
termined, as  measured  against  right  and  wrong,  that 
justice  might  be  done. 

This  one  saw  a  suspicious  looking  dray  pass  in  the 
streets,  when  the  queen  was  nowhere  to  be  seen;  that 
one  heard  her  singing  lulabies,  at  a  time  for  prayer; 
another  smelt  gunpowder  in  the  vicinity  of  Honolulu, 
while  doing  an  errand  at  Diamond  Head. 

The  attorneys  for  the  prosecution  laid  stress  upon 
the  law,  in  such  cases  made  and  provided,  surmising 
that  the  defendant  might  be  implicated :  establishing 
the  fact,  as  adduced  from  the  testimony,  that  treason 
and  motive  are  not  necessarily  unallied. 

The  court  charged  the  jury  to  heed  well  the  law 
and  seal  their  verdict. 

A   great   and    sacred   right   was   then   performing. 


278  KAIUOLANI 

Twelve  men  yawned  in  the  box.  The  clerk,  bald  and 
pale,  arose  in  his  place,  calling  aloud  their  names. 

"Here,"  echoed  back,  each  time  in  newly  spun, 
deep-fetched,  or  highly  pitched  tones. 

The  big  room  was  packed,  and  the  audience  waged 
breathless.  Only  Ah  Mia  remained  composed,  and 
transfixed.  Sitting  alone,  in  one  corner,  no  one  ha4 
condescended  to  notice  or  found  it  necessary  to  call 
upon  him;  but,  studying  every  expression,  observing 
each  move,  and  deciding  for  himself  both  the  law  and 
the  case,  Ah  Mia  awaited  but  an  opportunity  to  fling 
at  the  hated  white  man  his  own  true  story. 

Suddenly  quiet  reigned;  the  jury  should  retire  now: 
Ah  Mia  jumped  up,  and  clipclapping  down  the  aisle, 
toward  the  bench,  singsonged  aloud: 

"Ah  Mia  now  spleak!" 

"Order  in  the  court  room,"  demanded  the  judge, 
sternly,  and  with  no  intent  upon  recognition. 

The  bar  sprang  from  their  seats,  both  amazed  and 
chagrined,  while  a  ruddy  marshal  hustled  their  un- 
gainly, presumptuous  intruder  once  more  behind  the 
closed  and  made-fast  railing. 

"Melican  man  heap  big  fool:  Chinaman  velly  much 
abused,"  muttered  he,  as  the  jury,  broad-faced  and  re- 
lieved, marched  forth  to  deliberate  and  return. 

Cole,  however,  had  witnessed  the  proceedings  from 
beginning  to  end,  and  instinctively  associating  Ah  Mia, 
a  confederate's  good-intentioned  attempt  with  Guten- 
borj's  studied  absence  prepared  himself  at  once  to 
act  officially  upon  the  final  judgment  and  decree. 

The  jury  filed  in;  there  was  but  one  verdict  to 
find. 


KAIUOLANI  279 

Onslow  faced  them,  demanding,  with  great  satisfac- 
tion, and  no  less  of  pomp : 

"Gentlemen  of  the  jury,  are  you  ready  to  report?" 

"We  are,"  replied  the  foreman,  promptly  and  know- 
ingly. 

"Let  the  verdict  be  pronounced,"  commanded  the 
court,  addressing  the  pinched-out  clerk ;  who,  breaking 
the  seal,  read  aloud: 

"Guilty,  as  charged!" 

A  hush  spread  over  the  place. 

"It  is  the  judgment  of  the  court  that  the  defendant 
be  fined  five  thousand  dollars  and  imprisoned  for  a 
period  of  five  years,"  declared  Onslow,  to  the  utter 
amazement  of  everybody  there. 

"And  I  as  chief  executive  do  hereby  and  do  now 
remit  the  fine  and  release  the  prisoner,"  put  in  Cole, 
before  either  one  or  anybody  had  time  to  regain  his 
breath. 

The  queen  thus  stood  vindicated,  and  Cole  more  than 
justified,  even  lionized.  Another  veiling,  hiding  the 
hand  that  played  them  both  fast  and  loose  was  torn 
from  the  face  of  Gutenborj  and  cast  at  him,  the  rag 
that  he  deserved ;  while  the  little  republic  staggered 
to  its  feet  only  to  stem  but  briefly  that  larger  tide 
already  set  into  world-wide  motion  as  a  result  of  their 
own  baser  weakness. 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

"This  treaty  shall  not  fail;  it  must  be  ratified/'  said 
Cole,  in  private,  to  Aokahameha,  some  little  time  after- 
wards, while  sitting  together,  at  one  side,  in  conven- 
tion duly  assembled. 

Hawaii's  commander  in  chief  did  not  answer  at 
once,  but  fingered  nervously  at  the  officially  printed 
copy  of  the  resolution  held  loosely  in  hand. 

Perhaps  he  reverently  contemplated  the  will  of 
Kaiuolani;  or,  doubting,  earnestly  looked  forward  to 
an  apparently  last  and  only  recourse;  more  likely  a 
recently  disclosed  conflict — waging,  one  against  the 
other,  by  two  predominating  influences — disturbed 
him  most.  Whatever  the  thought,  the  mood  served  his 
purpose,  for  as  between  these  two  overtowering  com- 
batants their  people  and  the  government  must  then  and 
there  by  representatives  for  that  special  reason  con- 
vened irrevocably  if  inconsiderately  choose  to  deter- 
mine. 

Ah  Mla's  feigning  to  expose  someone,  as  it  seemed, 
at  the  trial  of  Liliuokolani,  had,  on  the  one  hand, 
brought  Gutenborj  to  his  senses :  forcing  a  coalition 
that  threatened  to  invest  the  shrewder  Oriental  with  a 
kind  of  ownership  or  mastery  of  all  labor  in  the  Is- 
lands ;  guaranteeing  to  the  latter  outright  possession  or 
control  of  pretty  much  everything  else  there  at  all 
worth  the  trouble  of  a  monopoly. 

These,   thwarting  the  opposition,   bade   certain   to 


KAIUOLANI  281 

continue  republicanism,  as  best  suited  to  the  require- 
ments of  individual  domination. 

On  the  other  hand  America  had  extended  an  un- 
mistakable invitation  to  them  to  lay  down  their  au- 
tonomy. 

Tiring  of  unprogressive  administration,  the  Ameri- 
cans had  elected  to  office  men  who  believed  it  their 
province  to  serve,  not  to  dictate.  A  lowering  of  their 
flag  at  Honolulu  had  roused  the  nation.  Expansion 
reverted  from  danger  into  a  public  demand,  became  an 
administrative  necessity,  and  the  incoming  president 
only  voiced  the  sentiment  of  a  stronger,  less  easily 
controlled  element  in  recommending  that  congress  take 
immediate  steps  to  regain  their  fallen  prestige. 

This,,  the  proposed  treaty, — but  evidently  more  a  de- 
mand,— lay  before  the  Hawaiians,  now  hopelessly 
divided  and  utterly  unable  to  resolve  compliance. 

What  were  they  to  do?  What  could  be  done  with- 
out the  queen's  sanction? 

Aokahameha  continued  reflecting,  and  the  delegates 
wrangled.  Cole  grew  impatient  and  again  continued : 

"We  are  losing  valuable  time,  Aokahameha." 

"I  was  just  wondering  how  we  might  gain  needed 
time,"  replied  he,  not  at  all  disconcerted. 

"Try  an  adjournment;  it  should  test  the  opposition's 
strength,  and  if  carried — well,  I  for  one  should  like 
very  much  to  see  our  good  friend  a  benedict." 

"If  lost,  though,  our  weakness  shall  have  been  pre- 
maturely exposed." 

"There  isn't  money  enough  in  all  Hawaii  to  buy  the 
queen — everybody  knows  that." 

The  motion  was  made  at  Aokahameha's  suggestion 
and  the  debate  closed. 


282  KAIUOLANI 

All  day  long  the  two  factions  had  fought  over  the 
question  as  to  whether  or  not  a  Kamehameha  had  once 
proffered  to  the  United  States  friendlier  auspices  than 
to  any  other  foreign  power :  the  one  side  affirming  the 
other  denying  that  annexation  were  an  act  of  con- 
quest, everybody  welcomed  a  chance  to  vote  upon 
something. 

The  motion  failed,  and  Cole  and  his  followers  turned 
pale  at  the  prospect  of  defeat.  It  proved  a  first  warn- 
ing, and  the  opposition  shouted  for  the  main  question. 

Aokahameha  alone  remained  calm,  and  seemed  to 
understand  the  situation,  saying: 

"Politics  lead  but  to  empire;  statesmanship  alone 
conserves  democracy;  let  them  vote,  if  they  would." 

And  they  did  vote;  but  not  until  revolutionized  by 
an  incident  little  expected. 

Supporters  of  the  proposed  measure  stood  dum- 
founded,  and  totally  unable  to  recover  the  shock  of 
apparent  defeat.  The  opposition,  on  the  other  hand, 
waxed  strong  and  careless  with  the  first  blush  of  sup- 
posed triumph — no  more  tribute  or  parleying  or  delay, 
now  that  their  opponents  seemed  routed;  they  must 
press  home  their  victory,  and  enjoy  the  spoils. 

Isaacs  sprang  to  his  feet  demanding  an  immediate 
vote  upon  the  resolution  as  offered ;  a  weak  voice  from 
Kahulani  seconded  him;  Elmsford  twisted  in  the 
chair;  Cole  motioned  him  "Put  the  question"  and  a 
pin  dropping  had  disturbed  their  quiet. 

No  one  should  venture  a  farthing  upon  the  chance ; 
but  suddenly  Kaiuolani  burst  into  the  room :  tripping 
lightly  down  the  aisle,  everybody  turned  to  look,  and 
not  one  would  bid  her  desist. 

"Her  majesty's  abdication,  and  hearty  support,"  said 


KAIUOLANI  283 

she,  to  the  surprised  chairman,  the  while  presenting 
him  with  a  carefully  written,  signed,  and  sealed  docu- 
ment in  evidence. 

Had  a  thunderclap  stricken  them  no  greater  pan- 
demonium could  have  prevailed.  Annexationists  fell 
to  hugging  each  other,  and  the  roll  call  began. 

"Aye."  "Aye."  "Aye,"  replied  everybody,  ex- 
cepting those  who  skewed  into  a  distant  corner. 

"The  ayes  have  it,  and  the  motion  is  carried,"  de- 
clared the  chair,  amid  profoundest  confusion.  "What 
is  your  further  pleasure?" 

Aokahameha   arose,   saying  distinctly : 

"I  desire  to  nominate  the  Honorable  C.  C.  Cole  for 
governor  of  Hawaii,  the  first  principality,  duly  an- 
nexed, to  the  United  States  of  America,  and  move  that 
we  proceed  to  choose  by  acclamation." 

"I  second  the  nomination,"  cried  a  hundred  voices 
throughout  the  hall. 

"And  as  governor,  no  less  a  man,  I  congratulate 
you,"  said  Kaiuolani,  for  the  first  time  shaking  the 
hand  of  an  humbler  equal. 

"Long  live  the  Republic !"  shouted  someone  in  the 
audience. 

"Make  it  Empire,  and  we'll  all  join  with  huzzas !" 
replied  Gutenborj,  who  had  come  in  expecting  other- 
wise to  congratulate  what  now  proved  to  be  a  sadly 
routed  constituency. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

Like  magic  the  new  Territory  settled  into  a  verita- 
ble workshop.  Lofty  ideals  and  heroic  attainment 
lulled  and  languished  under  the  sordid  quest  of  politi- 
cal preferment  and  material  splendor.  No  longer  did 
the  gods  claim  or  disturb  them :  their  food  the  inspira- 
tion and  gain  a  watchword,  fraternity  burned  lower 
in  the  bejeweled  candlestick  of  fancied  worth. 

"Where  is  this  deserter  and  delinquent,  F.  W. 
Young,  of  whom  you  speak?"  asked  General  Take- 
meback,  candidly,  of  Mr.  Langdon,  the  at  last  out  of  a 
job  successor  to  Whilom  S.  Harvenoiq. 

Takemeback  had  been  sent  out  by  the  United  States 
authorities,  in  advance  of  annexation,  to  establish  an 
army  post  and  naval  station  at  Pearl  Harbor, — a  re- 
serve provisionally  gained  as  an  indirect  result  of 
Harvenoiq's  bold  lone  break, — and  in  consequence, 
upon  the  final  passage  of  the  act  of  admission,  assumed 
a  sort  of  general  supervision  over  things  military 
thereabouts. 

The  records  in  Langdon's  discontinued  office  were 
plain ;  someone  by  the  name  of  Young,  bearing  the 
Colonel's  initials,  had  deserted  the  regulars  at  Gov- 
ernor's Island ;  he  should  be  haled  directly  into  court ; 
the  information  of  right  belonged  to  Takemeback. 

"I  am  not  even  convinced,  much  less  advised,"  re- 
plied Langdon,  no  more  certain  than  interested  in 
either  phase  of  the  case. 


KAIUOLANI  285 

"Deuced  queer  circumstance,"  retorted  the  general, 
emptying  his  glass  again,  and  resting  back  in  the  chair, 
anticipatory  of  further  enlightenment. 

"No  more  complicated  than  delicate,  I  should  say. 
Some  of  the  governor's  'best'  might  prove  to  be  im- 
plicated were  the  searchlight  turned  too  squarely  on, 
as  I  understand  it,"  suggested  Langdon,  bantering 
discretion. 

"Not  Aokahameha,  I  hope?"  queried  the  listener, 
somewhat  enlivened. 

"Here  he  comes,  now :  I  should  rather  you  judged," 
replied  his  informant,  a  bit  reluctant. 

That  Cole  would  be  elected  governor,  with  hardly 
a  disenting  vote,  at  the  coming  poles,  there  could  be 
no  reasonable  doubt;  not  even  Harvenoiq  disputed 
that.  Neither  did  anybody  question  Cole's  preference 
or  Aokahameha's  rights  concerning  the  commandery 
of  a  territorial  militia ;  but  there  were  some  who  cov- 
eted the  place — less  scrupulous,  perhaps,  than  these 
were  anxious  about  the  public  weal. 

Aokahameha  seated  himself  at  Langdon's  invitation, 
quietly  joining  as  needs  be  in  the  conversation. 

"We  were  just  discussing  Colonel  Young,  and  his 
probable  bearing  upon  the  future  of  Hawaii.  How 
do  his  chances  affect  you,  friend  Aokahameha?" 
queried  Langdon,  immediately. 

Takemeback  reflected;  the  host's  queer  tactics  had 
aroused  in  his  slow  mind  something  resembling  sur- 
prise. 

Aokahameha  reddened,  then  turned  white  in  the 
face.  He  had  not  thought  of  Young  since  the  fated 
night  at  concerned  old  Punch  Bowl ;  not  that  he  valued 
any  less  his  once-upon-a-time  friendly  compatriot  or 


286  KAIUOLANI 

harsh  antagonist,  but  he  had  turned  a  new  leaf,  and 
would  let  the  gods  be  gods.  Young  had  passed  out 
of  his  conduct,  and  bare  consciousness  alone  con- 
jured possibilities  undreamed. 

"A  good  man  he  was,  and  I  wish  that  he  were  here 
to-day,"  reflected  the  opportune  commander  in  chief, 
after  a  little,  wholly  unconscious  of  either  listener's 
self-originating  meditations. 

The  subject  thereat  changed,  and  presently  all  three 
went  their  way:  Langdon  immediately  sought  out 
Isaacs;  Takemeback  stamped  off  toward  headquarters; 
their  accidental  friend  lingered  upon  the  already  de- 
serted streets,  and  none  seemed  the  wiser  of  another's 
doing  or  intent. 

A  stroll  in  the  open  and  a  good  night's  rest  brought 
Aokahameha  to  a  final  determination :  Kaiuolani  must 
be  seen  and  understood  without  needless  delay. 

The  shades  were  already  lengthening  and  reaching 
toward  Castle  Banyan  in  the  foreground  when  her 
suitor,  gallant  but  earnest,  rode  through  the  gate  in 
front,  only  a  few  days  after,  dismounting  lightly  at  the 
door. 

"Who  comes  oftener  than  I,"  bantered  he,  of  Sir 
Charles,  who  himself  hobbled  down  the  steps  to  greet 
and  ask  him  enter. 

"None  is  more  welcome,  I  assure  you,  good  Aoka- 
hameha; nor  half-told  as  modest,"  ventured  his  loyal 
host  in  return,  approaching  unsteadily  and  with  ap- 
parent effort. 

Proffering  assistance,  the  younger  led,  now  into 
the  hitherto  familiar  den,  where  other  scenes  more 
exacting  had  dragged  the  elder  down,  forcefully 


KAIUOLANI  287 

against  better  promise,  till  life  itself  seemed  but  a 
vast  unrealized  suspense. 

"Whither  are  we  drifting?"  asked  the  broken  dowi* 
father,  half-consciously  vague.  "I  hear  of  nothing 
now-a-days  except  the  governor's  ball,  silks  and  beaux, 
plans  and  coquetry — oh  this  scramble !  Why  thrust 
upon  me  so  near  death's  claim?  Promise,  Aokaha- 
meha,  that  you  will  do  what  I  have  failed :  insure  my 
daughter's  happiness ;  I  am  done." 

Aokahameha  agreed  in  silence;  soon  finding  himself 
in  Kaiuolani's  presence,  unable  to  counsel,  much  less 
govern  her;  but  the  descendant  of  a  Kamehameha 
knew  no  fear,  and  looked  into  mood  if  not  motive 
with  keenly  discerning  eyes. 

"I  shouldn't  bother  at  all  about  that,"  replied  he, 
to  her  chatter,  as  a  first  attempt  at  reconciliation. 
"Perhaps  Norton  is  right  after  all;  you  may  look  quite 
as  well  in  white,  or  blue,  as  in  red.  It's  the  effect 
that  counts  for  most." 

"Upon  whom,  I  should  like  to  know  ?"  queried  she, 
indignantly. 

"Has  Norton  really  returned?" 

"Yes,  she  just  this  minute  left  the  door." 

"Then  Colonel  Young  will  be  there,  if  none  else; 
you  may  be  sure  of  that,  if  I  am  any  kind  of  judge." 

"He  shall  sooner  be  in  jail,  where  he  belongs.  That 
is  about  as  near  as  you  have  guessed  the  truth.  And 
I  am  glad  of  it.  Nor  shall  I  wear  red.  Now  then ; 
you  have  my  mind,  just  as  you  deserve." 

Her  would-be  conservator  made  no  further  attempt 
at  disagreement  or  conversion,  but  in  that  brief  sen- 
tence read  deeper  than  Kaiuolani  had  dared  to  do  or 
intended  that  he  should.  Thence  he  knew  full  well — 


288  KAIUOLANI 

if  she  had  failed  suspicioning — the  bitterest  truth  in 
life ;  and  bidding  her  a  friendly  adieu  hastened  toward 
the  city,  where  the  hardest  trial  that  he  had  known 
awaited  only  his  coming. 

Young  had  been  court-martialed,  and  there  stood 
face  to  face  with  seemingly  certain  conviction. 

"It  shall  not  be,"  said  Aokahameha,  to  Cole,  the 
day  before  that  set  for  trial. 

"The  law  is  explicit,  and  the  evidence  conclusive,  so 
I  am  told,"  replied  the  now  duly  elected  governor, 
coldly. 

"There  is  a  truth  that  heeds  neither  law  nor  evi- 
dence. Beware  of  justice,  my  dear  governor ;  this  man 
you  need,  and  I  herewith  tender  my  resignation  in  his 
behalf." 

Norton  sat  by  without  saying  so  much  as  a  word. 
She  had  come  in,  earlier  in  the  day,  to  urge  the  gover- 
nor's intercession,  and  would  not  go  away.  Cole,  in 
consequence,  had  grown  as  obstinate  as  uneasy,  posi- 
tively refusing  her,  upon  the  ground  of  non-interfer- 
ence. Thus  remaining  and  hearing,  the  possible  out- 
come of  Aokahameha's  warning  bore  heavily  upon  her 
conscience;  whereat  the  repentant  woman  arose  to  go, 
saying  heartily: 

"I  thank  you,  Mr.  Cole,  for  the  privilege  of  this 
overhearing:  to  you,  Aokahameha,  I  owe  a  debt  of 
gratitude  infinitely  beyond  my  reclaiming." 

The  day  after  brought  the  accused,  pale  and  wan, 
directly  into  court :  Young  heard  the  charge,  and  faced 
his  accusers;  he  had  grown  listless  to  human  weak- 
nesses, and  scoffed  at  falsehood's  hardened  attempt. 

Exiled  to  an  unfrequented  island  at  the  instance  of 
Kaiuolani, — upon  his  capture,  theretofore,  at  Daimond 


KAIUOLANI  289 

Head, — he  had  lost  every  confidence  in  civilized  trust. 
There  was  no  means  at  all  of  any  outside  communica- 
tion. Only  Norton  had  found  him  out,  thence  intensi- 
fying his  disgust  by  enforcing  her  attention.  Failing 
to  win  fairly,  she  would  woo  compulsorily,  and  when 
Isaacs  came  again,  as  arranged,  to  carry  them  home, 
husband  and  wife,  as  designed,  Young  rebelled  and 
threatening  to  withdraw  into  the  solitude  of  that  lone- 
some islet  vowed  never  more  to  lay  eyes  upon  his 
kind  or  to  share  the  lot  of  woman. 

Langdon,  however,  decreed  otherwise,  and  before 
Young  could  make  good  his  retreat  Takemeback's 
scouts  ran  down  and  brought  him  back  to  that  sense 
God  intended  better  used. 

''Stand  up,"  sternly  demanded  /the  courts-martial, 
frowning  at  the  merest  thought  of  anyone's  outrank- 
ing obedience. 

Young  reflected:  an  orderly  pushed  him  forward; 
no  compassion  obtained  there ;  the  breaking  in  of  mind 
and  body,  directing  thought  and  action,  cowering  mood 
or  inducing  morals — duty  were  an  only  virtue :  mercy, 
denial,  or  intervention  standing  without  the  pale. 

"I  am  innocent,"  replied  Young,  considerately. 

"  'Er  ugh ;  'er  ugh,"  growled  the  court. 

"I  am  innocent,"  repeated  he,  still  more  kindly. 

"How  dare  you  speak  till  commanded !  Officer,  pro- 
ceed with  the  trial,"  shouted  Takemeback,  maddened 
with  insult. 

Their  testimony  was  all  against  him,  no  one  deign- 
ing or  caring  to  appear  for  the  defendant.  The  doors 
stood  closed,  and  there  appeared  not  the  slightest 
chance  of  truth's  obtaining. 

The  records  were  entirely  introduced,  marked  this 


290  KAIUOLANI 

or  that  exhibit,  and  regularly  filed.  Langdon  had 
sworn  to  all  that  he  knew  favorable  to  conviction, 
carefully  suppressing  every  hint  that  might  in  any 
manner  tend  to  influence  an  acquittal.  Harvenoiq 
now  took  the  stand ;  the  culprit  seemed  convicted  be- 
yond all  doubt,  lacking  only  the  very  necessary  and 
properly  connected  identification. 

"Are  you  acquainted  with  the  prisoner  at  bar?" 
asked  the  interrogator,  methodically  concerned. 

"I  am,"  replied  the  witness,  fully  confident. 

"Do  you  know  of  your  own  knowledge  that  he,  the 
defendant,  here  present,  in  court,  is  the  identical  F. 
W.  Young  charged  in  this  case  with  desertion,  from 
the  United  States  army?" 

"I  do." 

"Is  he  the  same  individual  described  as  one  F.  W. 
Young  in  the  records  (tendering  for  identification 
purposes  exhibit  'A')  of  your  former  office  as  U.  S. 
minister  to  the  now  defunct,  but  formerly  existant 
republic  of  Hawaii?" 

"He  is." 

"You  lie !"  shouted  a  regularly  supposed  orderly, 
springing  forward  with  outstretched  arm  and  extended 
finger  shaking  vehemently  in  Harvenoiq's  rigid  face. 

The  court  gasped  for  breath,  Langdon  bounded  up, 
and  the  witness  stammered  inaudibly: 

"Who— are—you?" 

Tearing  off  a  mask  that  shielded  a  haggard  counte- 
nance, and  facing  him  squarely,  the  court  alone  heard, 
others  understood: 

"I  am  Martha  Norton,  and  you  are  a  villain !" 

Those  ia  authority,  recovering  from  their  astonish- 


KAIUOLANI  • 

merit,  demanded,  to  the  surprise  and  satisfaction  alike 
of  everybody,  an  immediate  and  full  explanation. 

"Here  is  the  proof,  your  honor — under  his  own  hand 
and  seal.  I  shall  entrust  you  alone  with  the  docu- 
ment." 

Whereupon  Norton,  blushing  at  her  own  disguise, 
turned  once  more  to  the  witness,  saying: 

"Tell  the  court  what  you  know  about  this  case.  I 
command  it !" 

Young  was,  in  consequence,  released,  and  com- 
mended for  his  faithfulness :  the  same  day  an  execu- 
tive order  made  him  Lieutenant  General,  commander 
in  chief  of  the  Hawaiian  militia,  and  no  one  disputed 
him,  just  or  right. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

The  militia,  at  last  a  sole  charge,  became  the  one 
all  absorbing  interest  that  Young  would  encourage. 

Love  had  passed  from  his  reach,  as  a  thing  be- 
neath him. 

The  elections,  now  close  at  hand,  were  of  no 
moment ;  Cole  had  selected  his  man,  whose  broadening 
comprehension  and  settled  opportunity  fired  ambition 
with  larger  aims,  conjuring  a  grander,  more  compre- 
hensive union  than  theirs  had  in  fact  foreshadowed. 

"War  is  vital,  peace  an  ignoble  thought,"  said  he, 
in  reply  to  Cole's  friendly  protestations.  ''True  we 
are  Americans,  and  our  governmental  institutions  are 
founded  upon  the  principle  that  all  men  are  equal, 
but — excepting  only  the  most  trivial  circumstance  of 
birth  or  death — this  is  no  less  false  than  just.  It  is 
with  the  living,  life,  that  we  have  to  do ;  and  not  until 
mankind,  not  men,  is  enlightened  can  the  ideal  attain 
reality;  art  alone  equalizes  all  things  accidental:  that 
we  are  moving  in  that  direction,  the  works  of  man 
speak  in  no  uncertain  tone,  but — the  force,  with  which 
we  advance,  whether  industrially,  socially,  or  spirit- 
ually, is  war." 

As  a  compromise,  Aokahameha  had  finally  con- 
sented to  stand  for  election  to  the  lower  house  in  Con- 
gress, their  duly  allotted  representative  at  Washington, 


KAIUOLANI  293 

and  when  the  poles  closed  and  the  votes  were  counted, 
Kaiuolani  truly  rejoiced. 

Her  ideal  lay  deeper  than  state  or  fancy,  hearkened 
the  voice  of  love. 

Nor  was  Norton  oblivious  to  the  new,  that  hers  had 
perished.  Duty  called,  and  was  she  in  turn  justified? 

The  inauguration  ball  approached  with  a  brilliancy 
that  dazzled  even  those  who  had  witnessed  the  old- 
time  fetes  at  their  best.  Cole's  election  had  stirred 
them  to  loftier  thought  and  a  better  appreciation.  They 
would  now  do  honor  to  their  chief,  and  wealth  nor 
show,  culture,  refinement,  modesty  or  sincerity  ever 
proffered  heartier  representation. 

Kaiuolani  at  hrst  rebelled  against  the  growing  spec- 
tacle. 

"Democracy,  the  kind  that  I  foresee,"  said  she  to 
Aokahameha,  whose  every  effort  was  putting  forth 
to  win  her  over,  "does  not  abide  where  pampered 
worth  obtains;  it  is  elemental  within  every  human 
heart,  and  real  beauty  conserves  better  a  more  har- 
monious adjustment — the  real  and  the  ideal  shall  some- 
time marry,  and  forsooth  joy  shall  truly  reign." 

''And  America  is  the  span  over  which  that  civiliza- 
tion shall  pass  but  to  merge  with  the  greater,  if  silent 
Orient.  Let  us,  then,  be  doing;  the  time  draws  near 
at  hand,  and  I  promise  I  cannot  be  happy,  at  the  fes- 
tivities, unless  you  too  are  there." 

"Then  I  shall  go,"  said  she,  with  the  sweetest  pos- 
sible assurance. 

Young,  too,  declined  the  privilege  of  attending  in 
just  the  manner  that  Norton  had  planned. 


294  KAIUOLANI 

"It  is  revolutionary/'  said  he,  in  reply  to  her  antici- 
pations. 

"What  of  that?"  queried  she.  "Each  revolution 
places  man  on  a  higher  plane  of  civilization  and  oppor- 
tunity :  then  comes  the  slow  process  of  legislating  or 
lapsing  his  rights  and  liberties  away.  You  would  not 
rest  oars  at  mid  stream?" 

"Conquest  makes  toward  larger  accomplishment — 
however,  I  shall  not  deny  you;  I  but  serve  your 
pleasure,  Martha." 

The  night  came  on,  under  the  starriest  kind  of  skies, 
and  all  nature  seemed  like  to  make  this  a  fitting  finale, 
as  well  an  auspicious  beginning.  Rich  and  poor,  great 
or  small,  the  new  and  the  old,  were  there  in  one 
sympathetic  accord.  No  expense  had  been  spared  to 
make  those  halls  and  that  scene  a  brilliant  setting. 
On  the  outside,  flowers  and  bunting  stretched  away  to 
the  humblest  cottage  or  grandest  palace,  and  every- 
where the  stars  and  stripes  waved  a  glorious  freedom. 

"Liberty?  No,"  said  Cole,  looking  out  at  the  stir- 
ring scenes  around  him;  "freedom  and  liberty  are 
antithetical:  continuance  of  the  one  necessitates  re- 
straining the  other — it  is,  freedom!" 

The  governor  and  Mrs.  Cole  led  the  march  down 
through  the  long,  pillared  and  arched-over  halls.  Visit- 
ing dignitaries  and  ranking  officials  followed,  with 
Norton  and  Young  arm  in  arm  abreast  the  proces- 
sion. 

Pale  and  severe,  Norton  heeded  anxiously  every 
word  so  earnestly  or  kindly  spoken.  Her  simple  dress 
and  plain  adornment  contrasted  severely  with  Young's 
elaborate  regalia.  These  were  serious. 


KAIUOLANI  295 

After  them,  statesmen  and  representatives  lined 
up,  in  order.  Kaiuolani  leaned  gracefully  upon  Aoka- 
hameha's  arm.  He  tall  and  genteel,  she  gowned  in 
purple  and  gold,  they  were  the  admired  of  all  who 
chanced  to  look  or  fashioned  themselves  to  learn  and 
know  the  sequel  to  these  long  and  arduous  friend- 
ships. This  two  chatted  in  livelier  vein. 

Perhaps  they  had  forgotten  former  rank  and  place, 
or  had  become  too  interested  in  the  future  to  observe 
well  the  present. 

The  march  over  and  the  dance  begun,  Norton  and 
Young  seated  themselves,  at  one  side,  under  the  mistle- 
toe, that  hung  in  large  epaulet-like  bunches,  quite  round 
the  edges.  Norton  flushed  the  least  bit,  perhaps  her 
heart  beat  faster,  for  presently  Kaiuolani  and  her 
escort  bore  directly  down  upon  them. 

Both  Young  and  Norton  arose:  the  latter's  face 
brightened,  and  Aokahameha  looked  deep,  and  know- 
ingly into  Young's  eyes. 

Turning  to  Kaiuolani  and  begging  excuses — it  was 
Aokahameha  and  Norton,  now,  who  fell  back,  and 
away,  again,  into  the  crowds  that  whirled  and  surged, 
on  and  on,  round  and  round. 

"By  jove !"  said  Elmsford,  confronting  them,  at  the 
opposite  side  of  the  room,  "you  both  did  yourselves 
clever." 

"Not  I,  Elmsford;  nor  half  as  nicely  as  you  your- 
self shall  do,  if  I  am  privileged  to  guess,"  replied 
Aokahameha,  begging  Norton's  pardon  and  once  more 
turning  to  enter  the  swirl. 

"Oh,  well;  it's  British,  you  know;  and,  I  dare  say, 
this  little  American  quite  suits  my  fancy,  after  all," 


296  KAIUOLANI 

shouted  Elms  ford,  laughingly,  over  the  shoulder  and 
after  his  rapidly  retreating  friend. 

A  lonely  but  satisfied  man  presently  appeared  at 
the  opposite  end  of  the  halls.  Behind  him  stood  the 
dumb  walls,  echoing  the  dead  and  spent  vibrations  of 
an  ever-living,  all  sufficient  time;  and  his  eyes  fell 
wistfully  and  his  heart  beat  warmly  toward  those 
there  repeating  the  lesson,  so  simple  yet  true,  that 
now  and  always  leads  on  to  empire. 


